#TuesdayTen: Baby Essentials: 10 Things I Couldn't Live Without

As soon as you announce your pregnancy to friends and family, sometimes you are instantly swamped with a list of items you MUST HAVE - to get you through those first few months of having a newborn. It can be very overwhelming, especially if you are a first time mum. 

For me, I have a nine year gap between my two children, so it really did feel like I was a first time mum all over again. I remembered a few items that I used religiously when I had Miss B and then there are all the items that are now available, that weren't almost 10 years ago. It's amazing how things evolve over the years. 

So I have put together a list of the "Baby Essentials: 10 Things I Couldn't Live Without", for this weeks #TuesdayTen. These are the items that worked for me: items that I loved and would definitely use again, and items that I would recommend to my friends, family and now to YOU!


In no particular order...

1. Triangle pillow (or Three corner pillow)
A cheaper alternative to the Nursing pillows that are available. I did have a proper nursing pillow, but preferred the triangle one. I have always owned a triangle pillow, ever since I was little, so I bought another one (or two) to use when I had Master M - one for when I was breastfeeding and one for my back (optional but worth it).

I never swaddled Miss B, actually never heard of it until I became pregnant with baby #2.  I was given a few wraps for my baby shower that came in handy when Master M was a couple of months old (before this age, he hated being wrapped). He was wrapped/swaddled from about 6 weeks old and it was great! Some babies love being wrapped and some don't. But just in case, have some wraps or a Love to Dream Swaddle in the cupboard. From about 4 months (during Winter), I started using 'sleeping bags'. They are amazing, especially if you have a little one that likes to kick their blankets in the night - with the sleeping bags, they stay warm all night. Brilliant!

3. Cloth nappies
I am referring to the old school white cloth nappies. They are perfect for over the shoulder spills, used on the change mat, and to wipe up other messes - they are just handy to have around. I used them a lot in the first 6 months. I wouldn't recommend buying them brand new though, they are so expensive! So ask friends and family, or check out your local op-shop!

This is GOLD in a jar! I was given a jar of Lucas Papaw Ointment from a friend and it is, in my opinion, THE BEST ointment to have if you have a newborn or children - full stop. Great for nappy rash, insect bites, cuts, sunburn & even as a nipple cream (but must be wiped off before nursing). 

5. Bassinet
I absolutely LOVE my bassinet! My Aunty & cousins bought it for me when I was pregnant with Miss B. It has been used by 15 babies and now ready for the 16th! (including Master M). The thing I love about it, is that I was able to wheel it into the lounge during the day, and then wheel it back into the bedroom at night for the first 3 months - Master M transitioned to the cot after 3 months because he outgrew the bassinet. If you can borrow a bassinet from a friend or family member, perfect - because they are only in them for a short time (depending on the size of you baby, of course). 

6. Lansinoh/Breastpads
As a breastfeeding mother - these two items, for me, were ESSENTIAL! Lansinoh is one of the most popular nipple creams on the market and a MUST HAVE for breastfeeding mums, it 'soothes and protects sore, dry, cracked nipples' and it is natural so no need to wipe off before nursing. I was a good "cow", so I needed to wear breastpads up to 8 months. There is a range of brands available in stores - I personally preferred the Johnson's Nursing Pads.

This was my "go-to handbook"! I first saw Sharlene Poole on a New Zealand TV show - giving tips about newborns and they mentioned her book "Baby Whispering". I borrowed it from the library for the first couple of weeks, then I had to have my own copy. I loved it! (I still do)! It is a fantastic book that I totally recommend to all new mums - it covers everything from preparing for your arrival and birth right through to 12 months.

8. Exersaucer
Some babies love them, some don't! It has a variety of age-appropriate toys to help babies achieve developmental milestones e.g. cause/effect, understanding and hand-eye coordination. Nowadays, you can hire them for a few months, because just like everything else, babies do grow out of them. My parents bought one when Miss B was younger, and it has been used by several other babies over the years, now it's Master M's turn. He's not in it much these days, only if I need to go to the toilet (he is too mobile to be left alone).

9. Snap-N-Go Capsule
Where was this contraption 10 years ago when I had my first child?! It could have saved a lot of backache in those first few months due to reaching over the capsule to buckle it in and out, every time! I was fortunate to find a pram/stroller that included a Snap-N-Go system - where the capsule locks into the pram and into a base (that stays in the car). It was a DREAM in those first few months! As a first-time or new mum, it truly is a life saver - you just unlock the capsule from the base of the car and transfer it, and lock it, into the pram (and visa versa). Note: Baby is safely harnessed into the capsule. 

10. Change Table
I never used a change table with Miss B, as I only lived in a small flat when she was born and I didn't have the room. I am borrowing (yes still using it to this day) my sister-in-laws change table, as she didn't really use it with my nephew. I think it is great for many reasons - gives your back a break (you don't need to bend your back), shelves for storing all your bits and bobs (nappies, wipes, creams etc). When Master M was born, I didn't really use it at first but then I decided to move it into the lounge (as that is where we were both spending our days) and I have used it every day (multiple times) since. You don't HAVE to go out and buy a brand new change table, borrowing or buying second will be suffice. Some mothers I know have bought a change mat and stuck it on top of the drawers in baby's nursery - perfect. I, personally, just like the height and storage aspects of a change table - it worked for me.

So there you have it, those are the 10 things that I (as a new mum) couldn't live without in those early months! Some other things I loved and couldn't live without was...SLEEP, WIFI, MY FAMILY SUPPORT, and A NICE HOT SHOWER! 

Tell me - What baby essential items would be on your TOP 3!





This post is part of the #TuesdayTen Link Up with
 Lisa from The Golden Spoons & Rabia from The Lieber Family

I have also linked up with Maxabella Loves - Weekend Rewind #70.


11 comments

  1. Great list! We used plain white cloth diapers as burp cloths - I'm assuming very similar to the nappies you list. My youngest got so attached to them that, now at age 7, she still has several of them. Some are even embroidered with her name. They became her comfort object and she it still very attached to them.

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    1. Awww that is so cute! Yes the same ones Lisa. And I can totally understand why she would get attached to them.

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  2. Love the list, and it is amazing to see how much has changed in 10 years. I have a friend that is pregnant, I have a 12 and 17 y/o and she keeps asking me if I used this or that. Finally I told her, girl I didn't have any of that..... It is amazing what is out there now.

    xoxoxo

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    1. Thank you! There are so many new things available and some would have been REALLY handy 10 years ago!
      Thanks for stopping by :)

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  3. My number 1 couldn't-live-without was a nappy roll. It was a rolled changed mat with pockets for nappies and wipes. I could throw it in my bag and be out the door quick as a wink. x

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    1. Oh yes - they are good! Keeps everything in the one place and perfect to pop in the handbag (if you have a big handbag, that is)! I have a Treasures one that I got in my Newborn pack - I think if i had a pretty one (home-made) - I would have used it a lot more! :) Might be something to look into! Thanks for dropping by Bron :)

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  4. This is a great list! If I were to write one, I'd have at least half of these things. Those sleeping bag sleeper things are the best things ever invented for babies. I buy them for all new moms.

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    1. Thank you Christine! Yes I love the sleeping bags too, especially during winter! What a great present for expecting mums! They will definitely appreciate it!

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  5. I still have tons of cloth diapers that I use for spills and general cleaning. My mom gave them to me 12 years ago with my oldest and they've survived quite well. Also, my kids loved the exersaucer. They could see what was going on and I didn't have to hold them every minute of the day. Quite good for cooking, when I didn't want to wear anyone.

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    1. So true Rabia! ha ha a lot of my friends, myself included have said the exersaucer is a lifesaver during dinner time (prep & eating).

      Another thing I couldn't live without was my daughter (9 years old)! She was AMAZING in those first few months, fetching nappies, wipes, sitting with Master M while I went to the toilet. It was great!

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  6. Great list! For me it is white noise, baby cot and her high chair :)

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