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How many times has someone close to you told you to buy something for your baby? How many times did you buy that item and then not use it?
I can’t count how many times I have had a friend or family member recommend an item for my babies and I personally do not see the reason to purchase it. It has bothered me when I have purchased items recommended and then I never used them.
If you are a first time mom or even a mom with multiple children expecting again, you will hear endless people tell you what you need. It can be hard to figure out what to get and what not to get. As a new mom, you may even think you need it all. After all, everything looks so cute and is definitely a necessity. You want it all for your child and you want THE BEST. Our babies deserve the best. Ads make you think you just HAVE to have it. Then a year later, you realized it was pointless and never got used.
We can save so much money if we buy only things that are essential for our babies and for simplifying our lives. For instance, I bought a wrap before my last baby and I never used it because she did not like it all. She preferred the baby carrier. There went $40. I had bought a Boppy pillow twice for my children, I may have used them a time or two. They did a great job collecting dirt. While I know many moms prefer it for nursing, I did not. It may be due to my short torso, but they were too thick and the baby was too high.
After having 4 children, I have narrowed down the 5 items that I never knew I needed until I pulled the trigger. I wish I had these for my first 2 children who are several years older than my younger 2.
5 Essential Items for Baby and Mommy
- Wipe Warmer-My first 3 children were all born in late spring. We didn’t have cool or cold nights or days, so I never saw the need in having a Wipe Warmer. It was until my 4th child that I realized why they were important. Our cool nights in the winter made for an unhappy baby. I didn’t want to wake her up anymore than she was and the cold wipes would certainly do that. After we bought a wipe warmer, the mid night diaper changes were much calmer. Here is the one that I have bought. Just a forewarning, they stay warmer when you have more wipes in the warmer.
- Burt Bees Baby Booties-If you haven’t already realized or you soon will if you are expecting, baby socks do not stay on. You will always be battling the socks. Again, due to my other three being born in the summer time, they were often times going without socks. My 4th child, I knew I didn’t want to battle the socks anymore. I bought these booties and they are heaven sent. They stay on, they keep her feet warm, and if you need to add socks under, you can add more protection from the cold.
- Diaper Pail-Can you believe I never had a diaper pale for first 3 children? Yep, you heard that right. We would just throw the diapers in the trash can. When I had my first 2 children, I lived in a single story home and the nursery was close to the kitchen which was convenient for dirty diapers. My third child, I didn’t want to add one more thing to my room. However, with my 4th, it would be more convenient to have a diaper pale. It definitely makes life a lot easier now that we don’t have to go throw it away immediately.
- Baby Carrier-I cannot stress this enough, this item will be a great investment for you as a new mom. I wish I had one of these with my first two children. I would have been able to accomplish way more than I could have imagined. Grocery shopping would have been easier and less stressful. Work around the house would have been easier. For some moms, it’s the only way they can get anything done.
- Night Light-I always had night lights with my first 2 children, but when I learned about the Hatch with my 3rd, I was sold. You can turn it off or on, change the light colors, turn on music or sounds, all with a phone. For those who are sleep training a child and need to turn it on or off to signal wake up time, this is for you. Or if you are like myself, you may need it in the middle of the night when changing your child. You can dim the light so it’s not as bright so it’s soothing.
Motherhood is a lot about learning. Learning your child, learning what works for you and your family. So what works for me, may not work for you. However, these items have helped simplify my crazy busy life after having 4 children. And if you need some ideas on how to not miss moments at the beginning of motherhood when your precious is a newborn, check out my post on Not Missing Moments. We can all get caught up in so many things like what to buy and maybe we seem too overwhelmed with everything we feel we have to accomplish when they are newborns. Just take it one day at a time. You are doing the best you can.
