My Newborn Must Have List

I really wanted to compile a list as Samantha exits each stage of life to remind myself (or help anyone else) of what was really needed.  Samantha has went from newborn to infancy and here is my list of everything I needed (and didn't need) with a newborn in the house.

Most everything you may notice has a lot to do with sleeping.  I've learned, a sleeping baby means sleeping parents, which means happy parents, which means a happy family.

The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper.  While we do not want Samantha to sleep in our bed, I do want her so close to me that it feels that way.  I want her in arms reach, and this way we have the best of both worlds.

Maclaren Baby Rocker.  Samantha has reflux.  The only time she doesn't spit up is through the night.  I think part of that is because inside of the co-sleeper is her Maclaren baby rocker.  It is at the perfect angle for her, she sleeps so good through the night in it.  Lay her in anything else (car seat, bassinet, flat in the co-sleeper, anywhere) and she doesn't sleep nearly as well.

Tender Vibes Deluxe Rocking Bassinet.  Samantha loves it.  She lies flat in it, stays entertained, loves the vibration, the sound, and stares at the mobile.  She does great taking little naps in it and just cooing and trying so hard to roll over on her side.  When she was little little (how is she already so big?????) she slept so good in it!

Fisher Price Newborn Rock n Play Sleeper.  OMG, a friend lent this to us when Samantha had her first cold and it's AMAZING.  She loves it and sleeps so good in it through the day.  She stays at a great angle, it rocks so easily, folds up nicely, and she just loves it.  She lays in it and tries to sit up.  I worry that she is getting too big for it, her toes are starting to hang over.  It really is great.  And takes up minimal room.  If you didn't have the space for a co-sleeper or multiple sleeping places, you could easily take this from room to room, place to place.  Highly recommended.

Medela Pump In Style.  I heart this pump.  I may not need to use it too often, but there have been opportunities where it has been necessary, like when Samantha was sick and not feeling up to eating, it was great to keep my supply up.  And, it's so fast.  Literally, 7 ounces in less than 10 minutes.  Without pain, discomfort or anything else.

Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets.  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!  We are big swaddlers in this house.  But, because of the SIDS risk, we do worry about overheating.  Not a problem at ALL with these blankets.  They are so lightweight, stretchy and HUGE.  They look great in pictures, easy to swaddle with, great for her to lay on, and just absolutely amazing swaddle blankets.  I honestly went through a couple weeks where I nearly went out and bought more.  I could have easily had 8 or 12 of these.  

Gerber Cloth Diapers.  These are the best burp rags ever.  Enough Said.  

My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing.  While Samantha didn't love this as much as Kaitlyn loved hers, she certainly does love it.  It would help induce 3 hour naps.  My only drawbacks are how quickly they drain the batteries AND we had a recent problem with the swing part.  I went to put her in it and luckily noticed the screw on the ground.  I looked for where it could come from before putting her in it and I'm glad I did.  Turns out, it was the only screw holding on the cradle part of the swing.  I'm thankful that the screw didn't fall out when she was in the swing, or that I noticed it.  I'm working on resolving that issue before I put her back in it :)

Bright Stars Car Seat Toy.  She LOVES this.  These are her flower friends and she lights up as soon as she sees it.  It has saved us in the car, when we go places, and really just work to avert a meltdown.

In addition, some great things I loved were baby legs, cloth diapers (we've mostly used sunbabys and kawaii with a lot of success), having lots and lots of blankets, baby bjorn, the Chicco travel system, sleep sacks, and the num pacifiers.

Some things that haven't worked out or gotten much use this time are the boppy, the bebepod (like the bumbo), the snugli (she HATES it!), bottles, and all the beanies I had to have.

I hope that's it.  And that I didn't forget anything.  Then again, you never know :)