I have a 4 year old son and let me tell you, when he was a baby I had SO MUCH STUFF. Baby gear coming out my ears, taking over my house. I was under this impression that babies need soooo many things to function. FALSE! When I was preparing for our second born, I realized I needed maybe 1/4 of what I had for Wyatt! Here are the things I couldn’t live without when I had my second born…wine not pictured 🙂
ps- these are not sponsored ads, just my favs!
1. DOCK-A-TOT
Ok. I don’t know if i just have sleepy babies or if this thing is from a magical land but Coco would sleep through the night in this thing at 3 weeks old! This one also makes my list because I was constantly moving around the house taking care of my son. Having a place to put my baby that was safe and comfy was so great. I could lay in on the floor while I showered, on the bed while I got dressed and outside on a blanket when we went to the park! We also used this as a co-sleeper for a while until we moved her to her crib. This was also wayyy easier to take on trips, to grandparents, to the park than a bulky pack-n-play! My only negative on this product was transitioning her was a real nightmare! The company says this should not be used in a crib for safety reasons so getting the bigger one didn’t make sense for us since we want her in her own room! We made it through but it took a week of not much sleep!
2. Solly Baby Wrap
I seriously love my Solly Baby wrap! This material is super soft and for a sunny san diego climate it is nice and thin! I had a wrap with Wyatt that was SO thick and so much fabric we would both end up a sweaty mess. These come in the cutest colors and patterns too! Im a sucker for muted colors and simple modern patterns. Having a toddler and a newborn meant we were on the move all the time and baby wearing was a great solution for me! Plus, there are so many benefits for both mom and baby when baby wearing! I even figured out how to nurse her in the wrap! Hello walking around the zoo feeding a baby!
3. Babybreez LUXIE
This was Coco’s going home outfit from the hospital! Im absolutely obsessed with these. They are sleepers called Luxies with this awesome feature where you can cover up their hands and feet or choose to keep them out! Neutral colors keep them timeless, zippers for easy changing and super soft delicious fabric. Wyatt and Coco have matching pairs which is super fun, especially because I have a boy and a girl. This is my go to newborn gift to all my mama friends! Go check them out HERE!
4. Beautycounter Baby Gentle All-Over Wash
Thank heaven I found this baby wash! Safer products are SO important to me, especially on the skin of my brand new baby! I have tried TONS of baby soaps, all of them being on the cleaner side ingredients wise. This one is hands down my favorite. The scent is light, clean and fresh. It is so gentle on her skin and doesn’t strip moisture. Plus, one bottle lasts forever! Beautycounter has a NEVER LIST of over 1500 ingredients they will never put in their products to keep them safer for everyone. Gives this mama peace of mind! Check it out hereÂ
5. LouLou Lollipop Pacifier Clips
These modern pacifier clips had me at hello! They are high quality food grade silicon and free of BPA, PCV, lead and all the other yucky things that can be found in plastics. The one Coco has also has maple hardwood beads that have been handrubbed in olive oil and beeswax to prevent splintering! How cool is that?! All sourced in America. BONUS it doubles as a teether! Boom, two in one for ya! The only problem was having to pick from all the cute colors and styles. We kept it neutral with the white/wood combo and like I said above we only got one because we dont need more than that!
6. Gentle Baby Essential Oil
Where are my oil mamas at?! I have been a part of Young Living for years, Im a huge fan of using natural remedies as much as possible and I just love all the benefits we get from using oils in our home! Gentle Baby was one that I stocked up on when I learned I was pregnant, mostly because it sells out really quickly! Its a combo of lavendar, ylang ylang and other sweet smelling oils that promote a sense of calming for both baby and parents. We love diffusing this in Coco’s room and even Wyatt will ask for this one!
7. Natursutton Pacifiers
These natural rubber pacifiers are so awesome! They are free of so many harmful chemicals and are all one piece for there are no joints where dirt or mold can hide! Plus, they are super cute! I love this paired with those awesome teethers mentioned above. They have a few different kinds to match what your baby likes! Im all about products that are being made safer for our little ones!
8. NoseFridaA Snot Sucker!
(I don’t have a photo of this because, well, ew!) How could I make my top ten list and NOT put on the NoseFridaA snotsucker. This thing is disgustingly awesome and I think every new mom should have one! My husband cant even look at the thing without gagging but i secretly LOVE it. It works 1,000 times better than the bulbs and works on toddlers too. Ill spare you the snotty details but lets just say you can really clear up those nasal passages on a stuffy little one! Coco got the newborn sniffles around 4 weeks old and this thing was a lifesaver! Get one. Just do it.
9. UPPABaby Vista Stroller with Piggyback Ride Along Board
This stroller is my absolute favorite! Its high end but not so high that it looks like a space ship pod on wheels. Favorite feauture for the second time around is the piggyback board! Essentially it is a little skateboard for my son to ride on when he gets tired. It faces baby too so they play peek a boo and keep each other entertained. My kids are 4 years apart so Wyatt was too big for the second seat option so this board was the perfect solution! You can put up to three kids on this baby and there is XL storage (HOORAY for overpacking!). Long handles help with tall parents, wide wheels mean Im not breaking a toe and the sleek matte black frame makes it a nice modern look! Im all in for this stroller!
10. Fawn Design Diaper Bag
I love my Fawn! These leather diaper bags are so stinking cute. I needed a backpack this time around because I needed both hands free to help my son, carry a carseat or have my baby strapped on the front of me! It is stylish, spacious and BONUS my husband will wear it because it is not too feminine. It comes with a messenger bag strap too for a quick grab and run style. I can easily fit what I need for both kids in here…Ive also learned I need a lot less than I thought!
Alright, my contenders that didn’t make the top ten simply because I ran out of numbers are LouLou Lollipop quilts, Zenbaby Swaddles, Milksnob or Copperpearl nursing covers, Blooming Bath and if you are having a girl Baby Bling Bows!
Essentially, I learned that I needed way less with my second baby. Simplifying made my life feel much more manageable! Congrats to all you soon to be or new mamas. It really is the best!!!
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