Margaret's Unexpected New Baby Essentials

   

Having a newborn is one of the sweetest and most memorable times in anyone's life. But it's also really exhausting and can be stressful too. I'm all about making life easier, especially when that means I get to spend more time giving my little one kisses. Here are my top 5 items that unexpectedly made life with a new baby a little bit easier:

• Angel Care Monitor. This monitor has literally been a God send for me. I am a worrier and after having my baby I was an anxious mess! Eli was in the NICU after he was born and he was hooked up to all sorts of machines that monitored his every breath. Thankfully our stay in the NICU wasn’t long, but coming home was still scary! I don’t think my husband or I would have gotten a wink of sleep if it wasn’t for the Angel Care Monitor. It has a sensor pad underneath the mattress that detects movement, so if he stops breathing for more than 20 seconds an alarm sounds. This greatly comforted us and allowed us to get some much need rest! For any mommas (or daddies!) who tend to be anxious like me, I highly recommend this monitor to calm your fears and keep your little one safe.

• Miracle Blanket Swaddle. Ok, so there are like 1,000,000 different ways and types of swaddles out there and I think we tried at least half of them. Eli was like a little ninja! We would think he was snug and secure, then 10 minutes later he would break out and wake up. The Miracle Blanket truly is a miracle. It’s easy to use and works like a charm! I recommend getting at least two to always have one as a backup.

• Diaper and Feeding Tote. Let me tell you, anything that makes those first few weeks months with a new baby easier is much appreciated. Going up the stairs every time little man needed a diaper change was simply not an option because a) newborn babies go through way too many diapers for that b) sleep deprivation = exhaustion which means the stairs seemed like Mt. Everest and c) the act of going up and down stairs after delivery is painful!! (things no one tells you prior to giving birth). To make life easier, we set up a little changing station in our living room and always had this basket with the essentials nearby. I filled our tote with diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, burp cloths, breast pads, hair ties, diaper rash ointment, Vaseline, and a tissue box filled with grocery bags (for quick disposal of dirty diapers). Other things that were frequently in the tote: coconut oil, hand lotion, and a toy to occupy baby during diaper changes. Fill a cute tote basket with these items as a gift a new mom will absolutely love!

• Pillowfort Touch Lamp. When decorating Eli’s nursery, I knew I wanted a solid white lamp to go on his changing table/dresser. I found this one from Target that was the perfect size that happened to be a touch on-off lamp. Little did I know how handy it would be. When it’s 3 am and you are trying to change a crying baby's diaper, take a temperature, or look for one of those dadgum pacis that have been thrown out of the crib for the 10^th time, you need quick access to dim light. The simple act of being able to quickly turn on the light without having to fiddle for the switch has been an unexpected necessity. 

• Simple Wishes Hands-free Pumping Bra. Y’all, I so did not know how much I would rely on this thing! A sweet friend gave this to me, and to be honest, when my mom and I were organizing everything pre-baby, we got a good laugh out of the picture on the box. I knew I would use it eventually, but little did I know that it makes all the difference from the get go! Moms- put this in your hospital bag! When you are running on 45 minutes of sleep in 48 hours the act of holding the pump is exhausting. Being able to pump hands free and relax made the whole process much less stressful, not just at the hospital but at home too! You can put it on and pump while you rest, check your phone, watch a show, or get a bite to eat! So much better than being stuck holding the pump for what feels like an eternity. 

I hope these things help make your life with a precious new baby a little easier! 

-Margaret