My Top 10 Postnatal + Newborn Baby Must-Haves

When I was pregnant, I was clueless about what we needed/would really use once we had a baby. I read books, read registry lists, and asked friends, but found it to be really hard to understand how we would use the things that I heard we needed until I actually used them.

But once we got home from the hospital, wow, was I glad that we were prepared and listened to everyone's advice on what to get! From Day 1, so many of the items that were recommended to us were extremely useful and much-needed. {Thank you to all of my friends who sent me lists!}

So today, I wanted to share the love and recommend some of my favorite baby + postnatal essentials. Whether you're looking for gift ideas for the expectant parents in your life or need ideas for your own registry, here are 10 items that made our lives [and especially my life] post-pregnancy MUCH easier:

1. Nursing Camis: I had NO idea how much I would wear nursing camis. In fact, let me put it this way--I've worn a nursing cami every single day and every single night since I had Charlie Mae. That's every day and night for 3 months and 11 days. I love these ones, but to be fair I should tell you that I haven't tried any others; just ordered some of these and then ordered more of them and then, once I realized I was really wearing them all day every day, ordered a few more. Must-have. 
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2. Nursing Pads: Keeping with the nursing theme, I also didn't realize how much you leak all over your clothes when you're breastfeeding. Again, I haven't been without these pads for more than a few hours since I had Charlie Mae, and they're a godsend if you don't like sitting around in wet clothes. I've tried a few brands and these are my favorites (by far). 

3. Sleep Sacks with Built-In Swaddles: If you're a fan of a sleeping baby and don't have the patience to learn how to swaddle with a blanket and/or don't want to have to wake up every time your baby wriggles out of your poorly-wrapped swaddle, buy some sleep sacks with swaddles for your baby. As soon as Charlie Mae grew out of the newborn size, we bought the next size up, and are so thankful for these little garments. Another life-saver for tired parents! Here's my favorite brand. 

4. Burp Cloths: Oh boy, do babies spit up everywhere! We have burp cloths stowed all over the house in strategic locations and I'm still always searching one (I'm often sitting on the one I'm looking for). I don't think you can have too many--we've been known to have 4-5 "active" burp cloths going in different rooms in the house. I love these but we've been given tons and all are great.  

5. A Baby Carrier: We wear Charlie Mae ALL THE TIME. If it wasn't for baby carriers she would get a lot less sleep, I would get a lot less done, and Sayde would get a lot less walks. I was given this baby carrier as a hand-me-down and it's become my favorite and go-to. We also have a Baby Bjorn that Ben uses as his carrier and loves. I tried the wrap-style when Charlie Mae was smaller, but it just didn't feel secure enough for me and my anxious self (I'm sure it was the way I was wrapping it/wearing it, but for whatever reason it wasn't the best fit for me). I was also given this one by a fabulous doula and think it's a great option, too. 

6. A Bouncer and/or Swing: Another thing that you need strategically placed around the house--containers for your baby! Places to put your tiny baby for a minute while you pee/take off your sweatshirt/pour your hot tea/etc! We got a second-hand bouncer that has been one of our MVProducts and were given a great swing that hangs out in our kitchen. I don't think the brand/model matters for these things, just get a few via hand-me-down or consignment and you'll be happy you did!

7. A Changing Table: I'd heard that you don't need a changing table and they're just another product that people think they have to get and then don't actually need, but I disagree. Our $15 Craigslist changing table is one of the best buys of our pre-baby days; when you have a newborn, you spend many, many hours changing her. Why not do that at a table meant just for that? I love the little compartment that is just the right size for wipe container, the shelves underneath that house extras of everything, the fact that it's the perfect height...I could go on and on. Worth the $15, for sure ;)

8. A Noise Machine: Ben and I used white noise to sleep before we had a baby, so it only made sense that we would get a special white noise machine for our baby. Since Charlie Mae sleeps in our room, we all use the same noise machine now and we really love this one. It is a nightlight and noise machine in one, so it helps me see when I get up to nurse in the middle of the night AND provides us with lots of sound options. 

9. Board Books: We started reading to Charlie Mae a few weeks into her life, and have found board books to be the best fit for someone so young. Her favorites from the very beginning were these books, which are made for super small babies, but now that she's getting older, we're finding that she loves any and all books that we read to her. 

10. Lamaze Clip + Go Toys: The people who make these toys know what they're doing. They've got black-and-white patterns, rings, make crinkly noises that really little babies like, and are perfect for babies who are just a few months old. They were the first toys that Charlie Mae started to show an interest in and are still her favorites--even as she starts to show interest in other types of toys, too. They've saved us from many a breakdown already!

There are so many other items that we've used a ton so far {our diaper bag, this play mat, this mobile, our car seat, our stroller...I could go on for days}, but I'll stop there for now.

I hope you find this list helpful and don't hesitate to reach out for other recommendations! Btw, Lucie's List is my favorite online source for product information and recs. It has been (and still is!) my total go-to.