Best Baby Basics

My friend Ashley is hosting a blog hop today and asking all moms to share their favorite baby items.  I thought this would be fun because I know (think?) there are a few of you who read my blog from time to time (thanks!) and are expecting a little one in the near future.

 The first few months after Avery was born are very blurry... imagine that!  But there were a few products that definitely helped me keep my sanity and made life with a newborn much easier. 

1. Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor

A friend of mine told me about this amazing monitor and I knew I had to have it!  The Angelcare monitor has a sensor pad that you place under the baby's mattress that detects the slightest movement... including breathing. If it doesn't detect movement for more than 20 seconds an alarm goes off.  Ours went off a few times which was terrifying but it was only due to the sensitivity not being adjusted correctly.  I would rather have a few false alarms than worry about the alternative.  This product allowed me to sleep at night (ha!) and gave me the peace of mind I desperately needed the first few months.

2. Sleep Gowns



I received a lot of cute PJs for Avery but she usually ended up in these soft sleep gowns.  Snaps can be a pain and yes zippers are easier but the gowns are even better!! Even daddy can handle pulling up the gown in the dark!!

3. Boppy Billow


I nursed for the first few months so the Boppy was a lifesaver and around 5 months I pulled it back out as a support pillow for Avery while she was learning to sit up.

4. Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack

I know this probably seems silly but when you are washing what seems like a million bottles a day it is so nice to have a cute drying rack that doesn't take up a ton of space.  I used the Dr. Browns bottles that have the internal vents to ease gas and with all of those extra parts this was extremely helpful.

5. Dr. Browns Bottles


Speaking of bottles, there are so many options out choosing a type of bottle can be overwhelming.  I absolutely loved these bottles.  They come in silicone or glass and multiple sizes.

6. Mylicon


This should actually be number two because it solved so many problems but I'm too lazy to go back and re-number!  I think Avery had a very sensitive stomach during the first month or so and while mylicon didn't ALWAYS help, it seemed to give her relief most of the time.  We tried the generic brand (from Target, I think) first and it didn't work for us.  We spent the extra money on the real thing and her gas issues decreased.  A lot of people I know swear by Gripe Water, it didn't really work for us but as a new mom with a fussy baby, I'd recommend giving it a shot!

7. Bumbo Chair


What a great idea!! I loved that I could sit Avery up as soon as she had good head control.  She didn't like it much at first but after a few times she realized how much more she could see when sitting instead of lying on her back.  It was great while I was cooking or trying to get other things done.  She grew out of it fairly quickly (the girl has some meaty thighs :)) but we still got a lot of use out of it.  I think there is a recall out there right now because kids have been left in them unattended and fallen but honestly, use a little common sense and this isn't an issue.

I know there are many other things I'm forgetting about but I hope someone out there finds this helpful!! When I was pregnant I received a few care packages from sweet friends (shout out to Lyndsey and Kim!) with little ones and I can't express how much I appreciated the insight from mommies who had already been through it.

I have to mention one other thing I just loved having for Avery.  No, it's not a necessity but I love having personalized or monogrammed stuff for her.  It's just so fun to see her name on itsy bitsy onsies and bibs!! If you need anything monogrammed checkout Etsy, it is the most amazing website, I am ADDICTED