Essential Items for Newborn Babies All Parents Should Know About

Are you about to become a first-time parent and fretting over what you need to do to welcome the newborn baby into this world? Once you have all of your essential baby stuff, you can keep adding other things. You will notice that you will feel more prepared to welcome the new addition to your family after buying essential things.

Understandably, first-time parents are very stressed out as they have loads of expectations about little fears about the baby. That said, do you already have some idea about the kind of stuff you will need right away? Lucky for you, we have already assembled a list of essential items that you will need to welcome your baby. Read on to learn more!

A little disclaimer: this list contains essential items that will be part of the baby's Nursery, feeding, and useful gear when you are heading out of the house with your baby.

 

Items required for the Nursery

The Nursery is the place where your baby will be spending most of its time. That said, you must make things as comfy as possible. Buy a firm mattress for the crib. Don't forget a bunch of waterproof mattress covers and bedsheets. In the baby's first months, we recommend keeping the crib free of sheets, blankets, and even toys. By doing so, you will reduce the risks of suffocating your baby.

You will also need a baby monitor if you plan to let the baby sleep in their room. The monitor will allow you to keep a close eye on the baby while doing chores around the house. Today's baby monitors are smart gadgets connected with your Wi-Fi, which allow parents to hear their babies and watch them. Most baby monitors also include monitoring room temperature, which allows you to ensure that your baby is comfy and safe.

 

Items required for Feeding

The checklist for feeding essentials includes burp cloths, which are perfectly designed for your little one to burp into. And trust us, your baby will spit up a lot. A nursing cover will help you in covering your baby during breastfeeding. You can also use a receiving blanket in place of the burp cloths and the nursing cover. To add a tad bit of extra comfort for your little baby, you can also use a nursing pillow, which is a U-shaped soft pillow, allowing your baby some extra rest and comfort.

 

Other Essentials

If you plan to visit your parents or go on a walk with your baby, you will need more things than amazing outfits. You will need a car seat, a stroller, a diaper bag, and a baby carrier. It might also be a good idea to check out the best booster seats in Australia and see all the amazing options you have for your baby. It is important to know that the car seat is an essential item that needs to be bought before the delivery as you will use it while bringing the baby home from the hospital. 

 

Boppy Body Pillow Review

For the past 25 years mothers have relied on the Boppy pillow for support for their babies. It not only provides a comfortable position for mother and baby during nursing, it also serves as a cozy seat for baby to rest on by himself.  In addition, it helps keep baby perfectly situated during tummy time.

Today, the Boppy Company has another must-have item--the Boppy Custom Fit Total Body Pillow. This body pillow has become an indispensable item for pregnant moms because it provides total support from head to toe. The customizable three-piece design cradles the back and belly for moms of all sizes and at each stage of pregnancy, alleviating back, hip and joint pain so mom can get the rest she needs

The Boppy Company believes in empowering mothers-to-be, so they are excited to announce their partnership with First Candle—a trusted leader in infant health and survival. Together, they are working to educate moms-to-be on how to foster healthy habits during pregnancy. Their new Pregnant and Empowered - Kicks Count! Program has one mission: making sure all babies survive and thrive.  Starting in April 2015, each Custom Fit Total Body Pillow sold at Babies “R” Us will include information on how to perform a kicks count daily regimen as well as provide additional information on healthy prenatal care for mom and baby.  Look for the round sticker on the outside of the package.

Supporting moms since 1989, The Boppy Company is proud to partner with First Candle.  First Candle has been taking the lead to prevent sudden causes of infant death since 1987 with research, education, advocacy and family support.

Our Thoughts

I am a short person and this is a long pillow! It definitely covers from head to toe for me. It's lightweight and breathable, very squishy. We all know that pregnant women tend to get very hot so it's a good thing the material isn't "thick" to raise our body temperatures even more. The pieces come apart, as shown in the above picture. They stick together via velcro, I haven't found it to be too strong, so they come apart on me a lot. Most of the time I just split the pieces in two and use the head piece and the longer leg piece for hip support.

The inner material is so nice to lay your head on, it's hard to see how it's very supportive because of how much it smashes down, but it really does do the job. I can lay my son on it as well and he loves it as a pillow, it doesn't make him look like he has a stiff neck from laying on a harder pillow. 

For those of you who are shorter, like me, you can use the bottom leg piece as a body pillow on it's own. I flip it around and I have head and arm support, and it's long enough (or I'm short enough) that it extends for me to place between my knees for pelvic support. This pillow is very useful, I don't have to sleep with five different pillows now!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!  The Bopppy Body Pillow is also available on Amazon.

Reviewed by Jackie

Levana Stella 2 Camera Baby Monitor Review

Stella™ (S)tel-la)
Meaning: StarStella showcases your little superstar on a large 4.3” screen. You’ll love Stella’s whisper quiet pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) camera, Smart LED volume level indicator ring and battery life of up to 36 hours. Your baby will love the three soothing lullabies, invisible night vision LEDs and Talk to Baby™ intercom. With so many handy features plus a 750ft digital wireless range, Stella makes doing more at naptime a breeze.

Smooth & silent pan/tilt/zoom camera
Remember when your mother told you she had “eyes in the back of her head”? Now you can amplify your own parental superpowers with a pan/tilt/zoom camera. Use the monitor from anywhere in your home and adjust the camera view 270° horizontally and tilt vertically 110° to see everything in your baby’s room with the simple touch of a button.

36 hour battery life in PEEP mode
When you find yourself multitasking you won’t need to stop and recharge this monitor for up to 36 hours. PEEP (Power-on/off Energy Efficient Picture) sets your monitor and your camera to “sleep” when there is no sound in the nursery, saving hours of valuable battery life. The second your baby makes a “peep”, the camera and the monitor will activate so you can see and hear exactly what is going on.


Talk to Baby™ two-way communication
Let baby know you’re on your way with two-way Talk to Baby™ intercom. Calm your baby with the sound of your own voice as you head to the rescue. Levana parents also love this feature for communicating to each other when they need some help in the nursery.

Invisible LED night vision
Invisible infrared LEDs provide a clear image of your child in the dark up to 12ft away. Your baby will sleep more soundly without the distracting red LED lights found on traditional baby video monitors. Rest assured knowing you can see your baby clearly, any time of day or night.

Smart LED Indicator Ring
Sound indicator ring changes color with the sound of your baby’s voice alerting you if she is crying out when you have the volume turned down and features adjustable sensitivity.
Pink - Disconnected
Blue – Low volume/Whispers
Green – Low-Medium volume/Murmurs
Yellow – Medium volume/Cooing
Orange – Medium-High volume/Chatter
Red – High volume/Yelling

3 Soothing lullabies
Does your baby love the sound of lullabies before bed and cry out for more when the music stops? Stella has three lullabies that can be remotely activated and changed by your parent unit.

Expandable up to 4 cameras 
Stella’s expandable system grows with your family; add up to three additional cameras to conveniently view up to four areas of your home on one monitor.

Our Thoughts

This baby monitor is like having a third adult, a robot adult, in the house. It basically helps you babysit your baby while you're busing doing house chores or whatever else while he or she naps! You can keep the perfect eye on baby and know s/he is safe and sound. You can hear your baby, you can talk to your baby, you can monitor the lights if the sound suddenly changes, alerting you that you need to check in on baby via the monitor.

The fact that parents can communicate through this is astounding. I haven't had to use this feature yet, but just imagine if mom or dad needs help with baby, or for the bottle feeders, if mom or dad needs the other parent to get a bottle ready or something, this is so incredibly convenient for that.

As for the setup, it was very easy. Simply plug the cameras in and turn the monitor on. Each camera has screw slots to mount them to a wall or just set them on a desk or dresser. They do have to stay plugged in. I like how the monitor has a built in flip out stand and the antenna can be folded away. I don’t think you really need it out anyways. The range is really great. I walked about 150 feet keeping a good signal. After that it started dropping. I went about 200 feet and started getting some lag.

Video quality is good. The range of the camera moves to just about any angle you want it to. Sound quality is decent and the sensitivity can be adjusted on the monitor as well as the brightness of the picture. The sound sensitive also lights up the arrow pad on the monitor blue/green/yellow/red depending on the noise going on next to the camera.

The lullabies are very convenient. Having a constant noise in the background while baby sleeps really helps keep him asleep. If it's quiet and then suddenly one of my girls makes a loud noise, it is going to wake him up, but with the lullabies going in the background the sudden loud sounds do not disturb him. This is very nice because it's one of the most frustrating things for parents when nap-time is interrupted. 

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!



Reviewed by Jackie

Little Twig Baby Wash & Lotion Review

Lavender Scented Lotion or Oil is often very helpful in promoting a healthy natural sleep for both babies and their parents. Lavender has aromatherapy properties that are calming and relaxing. By applying the Lavender scented products to your little one just before bedtime, you get the benefit of the lavender itself plus the relaxing benefit of the massage that also encourages a better night's sleep.

Shower your little one in serenity with this organic blend of essential oils and mild foam. This formula combines skin softening vitamin E with just a whisper of lavender and chamomile. Gentle enough for newborns.

Phthalate Free Pediatrician Tested Paraben Free

Sulfate Free Nut, Soy and Wheat Free Non Irritating

No Synthetic Fragrances Head-to-Toe Ideal for Sensitive Skin

 

Our Thoughts

Lavender is one of my favorite scents, and knowing the health benefits and the sleeping benefits of it, I wanted to try this baby wash and lotion. Firstly, as soon as I opened each bottle, the scent was not mild, you can't mistake it for anything else. It was legitimately stronger than any scented "oil" product I've used before.

I tried the lotion on myself first because I have sensitive skin and it felt great and, again, smelt great too. It was very creamy and my skin soaked it up great, no greasy feeling leftover and the scent of lavender on my skin lasted for about an hour or so too.

When I tried the baby wash, I did this right before my son's bedtime and within minutes of him getting out of the bath he was ready for bed. It was normal bedtime anyway, but I honestly think the scent knocked him out! Some soaps are more slippery than others so I only used a pea-sized dollop on my finger to wash his hair and it was plenty. To be honest, I enjoyed the soap so much I use it for myself too!

They also have tangerine and unscented too for the super-sensitive skin types or those who do not like scented products!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

Reviewed by Jackie

Clevamama Infant Accessories Review

At Clevamama™, we are constantly striving to produce innovative products to make parents lives that bit easier. We have developed a solid partnership with world renowned leaders such as Teagasc to keep us at the forefront of pioneering research and product development.

We are really excited to share our products with you and are also delighted that some of our products carry the Guaranteed Irish logo. Try them for yourself and you’ll see why we are called Clevamama™.

Pacifier Sterilizer

The Pacifier Sterilizer is a compact, fast and simple way to sterilize and store pacifiers. Using the speed and convenience of your microwave, it is now possible to sterilize up to 6 pacifiers in just 60 seconds. It’s also a convenient home, which means less lost pacifiers! Includes 2 free silicone orthodontic pacifiers. Recent studies have demonstrated that an infant using a Pacifier during sleep time is at a lower risk of SIDS. YouTube demo here.

ClevaPortions

8 storage pots with individual lids for freezing single portions of home cooked food. ClevaPortions are perfect for storing fresh baby food in the fridge or freezer. 

Ideal for 1st stage weaning, the pots sit in tray for easy storage and individual feeds can be popped out as needed. The transparent pots let you see what feeds are inside. Safe from freezer to microwave, ClevaPortions make feeding easy. Dishwasher safe.

Our Thoughts

Both of these products are amazing! My son is picky with his binkies recently so I have only had two that I must keep track of or it's the end of the world according to him. Well both those binkies get pretty dirty, pretty quick and I am not a fan of using soap and water because the soapy water gets inside the binky and makes it taste funny even after rinsed and dried. With the Sterilizer I just pop the binkies onto the tree and pop it in the microwave. It is incredibly easy, fast and I know my son's binkies are clean and safe to put in his mouth again! It is an ingenious idea and the Tree isn't an eyesore either so that helps!

ClevaPortions is ingenious. Many people are making their own baby food these days because it's much healthier. This product allows you to easily store your own baby food, whether it's pureed or not. All I have to do to use this product is pop one of the containers in my diaper bag and we are good to go. It'll heat itself up while we're out and about or I can use a microwave at a restaurant. While at home I can use my own and it's just so easy and convenient. Quick to clean, easy to use, definitely saves time for all busy parents to make food ahead of time and freeze!

Buy yours here. Don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!






Reviewed by Jackie

Zipadee Zip Review & Giveaway

Often times people are confused as to why the Zipadee-Zip is all that different from the sleeveless wearable blankets or sacks out there. There’s a reason people call it the new and improved wearable blanket. The star-shaped pointed sleeves and star-fish design is Patent Pending because it inspires sounder sleep than any other wearable blankets on the market. The slight resistance in the wing-span allows a baby to move around freely while still providing the enclosed, cozy sensation babies enjoy so much in the swaddle and the womb. The ‘Moro’ or startle reflex is what prevents a baby from sleeping soundly and jolts a baby awake suddenly. The reason babies are startled is because they wake up and can’t feel their edges like they were able to in the womb. The Zipadee-Zip provides those ‘edges’ or that womb like environment while still providing them the freedom to roll around and use their arms and hands safely. This is why the Zipadee-Zip will work when all other products parents have tried to transition their babies typically fail.

Although most of my customers purchase the Zipadee-Zips for the transition off of the swaddle, many love the Zipadee-Zip for other reasons: The Zipadee-Zip is easy to put on, it keeps a baby’s hands warm at night, and the enclosed feel gives babies the security they need to learn to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own and it can be easily buckled into a car seat or stroller. It also keeps germs away from from those little hands in grocery stores and doctors offices.

Our Thoughts

I was skeptical of the Zipadee-Zip but it has proven it's worth in this past week. I have a three month old, and he's never been into the swaddling business, but like all my babies, when there isn't anything touching them while they're sleeping, they will jolt awake. Being in this makes my son feel like he is still being wrapped up in a close environment.

Like I said, my kids never liked being swaddled as babies because it was just too restrictive. The Zipadee-Zip allows for the closeness but they're able to still move around too. He can squirm in his sleep to get more comfortable if he needs. Another reason I like this is because I don't use blankets on my babies, but now that the weather is cooling off I want him to stay warm. This is lightweight material but it keeps him nice and toasty throughout the night and I don't have to worry about any blanket covering his face!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, and Twitter!

Win yours below!

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Reviewed by Jackie

Tommee Tippee Pacifier Review

Tommee Tippee

Soothing products designed to settle your baby the simply intuitive way.
All pacifiers and teethers in the Closer to Nature collection are approved by babies. The symmetrical orthodontic nipple has been specially designed to help optimize baby acceptance so while your baby feels the calming sensation of satisfying his or her natural suckling instinct, you’ll feel reassured that they’re comfortable and safe.

Our Thoughts

Tommee tippee is functional and a life saver! I finally have a child that will accept pacifiers, and from the looks of it, he does not care what brand it is! I was worried he wouldn't take to the tommee tippee pacifiers since he was used to a different brand already, but my fears were unfounded. I opened the package and popped one in his mouth and he was a happy champ.

I was surprised at the size of the 0-6 month, they were smaller than I was used to (but then again, I don't have that much experience with pacifiers since this is my first child that would take one) but it didn't phase my son one bit. The designs are super cute, you can get plain or some that have designs on them like the picture above. Coolest of all, they have glow in the dark ones! Now how important is that in the middle of the night? I know I'm constantly losing mine so I keep two with me when it's bed time.

Tommee tippee pacifiers are great to use, my child is happy and that makes one happy mama!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, and Twitter !

Reviewed by Jackie

Ingenuity Bouncer Review & Giveaway

Leave it to Ingenuity™ to provide the perfect atmosphere for baby, and a few more hands-free moments for you. Our Gentle Automatic Bouncer simulates mom's natural motion for 30 minutes of continuous automatic bouncing. Premium fabrics and a removable head and infant support cover our cradling seat to provide the utmost comfort for your little one. SoftBeat Rhythms™ are heartbeat vibrations designed to simulate mom’s own heartbeat. Choose from 8 relaxing melodies and 3 nature sounds to help calm baby while bouncing. For entertainment, baby can play with 2 plush toys that hang from the removable, pivoting toy bar. And with our Hybridrive™ technology, these batteries will last twice as long! Ingenuity's gentle automatic bouncer gives parents a few more stress-free, hands-free moments.

Our Thoughts

Hands free makes a mother's life easy! Each baby is different, but based off of my two previous children, I knew my third would like to be constantly moving too. This meant either a swing or a bouncer that I constantly bounced with my foot! Well I don't have that kind of time anymore so this thing is awesome to take over doing that job for me!

It came neatly packaged and was easily put together in about ten minutes. Or course I made my husband do it but even looking at the directions it looked to be easy enough for me too and other moms who aren't used to using a screwdriver. As soon as we had it put together I placed my son in it and he loved it! He fits perfectly and he looks like he is absolutely laid back in it.

My two month old has just reached the stage of playing with objects so the little elephant and hippo are too cute for him to coo at. They catch is attention but aren't too brightly colored to over stimulate him.

At first the moveability of the bouncer took me off guard, but then I realized that's how it's an automatic bouncer once you turn it on, so don't be alarmed, it IS sturdy and safe! He loves being in it,  he's already taken a few naps in it and loves the nature sounds it makes! The songs are incredibly soothing to a baby.

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

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Reviewed by Jackie

BooginHead PaciGrip Review

BooginHead's PaciGrip
 
PaciGrip is an innovative baby accessory that keeps pacifiers attached to baby and off the car floor.  The universal clip is compatible with popular pacifier brands and is easy to use.  The clip is strong enough to stay attached, yet gentle on baby’s clothing. It is available in a variety of colors and patterns that are appealing to both boys and girls.  It coordinates with the SippiGrip cup tether.  It is strong enough to hold small toys or a set of keys around Mom’s wrist.  The non-toxic material is durable enough to toss in the washer to keep it clean and sanitary. Good Morning America featured it as a must-have baby accessory that brings value to Moms and their tots.  PaciGrip is available at BabiesRUs, BuyBuy Baby and Walmart stores as well as at http://www.booginhead.com/pacigrip. MSRP $5.50

Our Thoughts


Finally! Now I can use my sons binky while grocery shopping and when I'm outside letting my girls play. I'm one of those moms who clean (aka, lick) off the binky before putting it in my baby's mouth. Not the funnest task, but it's motherhood. Nothing worse than when the binky drops in the dirt or a store floor, therefore I never took his binky when we were in these atmosphere's. This does not make for a happy baby!

Now with the BooginHead PaciGrip I never have to worry about dropping his binky in a yucky place again!

This is the design I received and it's perfect because it matches all of his clothes! The clasp is really sturdy. I was worried it might move or pinch my son, or come off too easily but I don't worry about any of that anymore. The clasp is very strong and you can place it in multiple parts of clothing for safe keeping. It's not too long to where you have any type of strangling hazard either. Sturdy, convenient, incredibly adorable, I love these! Amazing how something so small can make parenting so much easier!


Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!


Reviewed by Jackie

Fisher Price First Birthday Gifts Review

Classic toys by Fisher-Price such as the Brilliant Basics Corn Popper, iconic Rock-a-Stack or exciting Baby’s First Blocks are a perfect option for any little prince or princess that won’t require funding from the Royal Mint. Additionally, you can make any child feel like royalty with a fun themed party in celebration of the occasion!

 

      Brilliant Basics™ Rock-a-Stack®     

Brilliant Basics™ Corn Popper®

Baby's First Blocks

TIPS FOR THROWING THE ULTIMATE ROYAL BIRTHDAY BASH!

·         Get Inspired and Pick a Theme: The first step in planning a first birthday party? Pick a theme! This will help make planning and decision making so much easier. For example, a “Royal” theme tailored to a first birthday can inspire creative, age-appropriate decorations—like “castle turrets” made from Fisher-Price^® Rock-a-Stack toys topped with golden sugar cones and felt flags!

·         Activities are King!: Keeping the little ones happily entertained is the key to a good time for everyone! For toddlers, designate a large, kid-proofed play area to serve as their “Royal Play Zone” filled with age-appropriate toys such as bouncy balls, Baby’s First Blocks, Corn Poppers, and Rock-a-Stacks. Coordinated craft projects are another great way to continue your Royal theme.

·         Please Be Seated: Want the littlest guests to actually sit down and eat? Set an inviting table styled especially for them! Start with a kid-friendly table runner lined with colorful toy blocks from Baby’s First Blocks and top each (unbreakable) plate with a pint sized-birthday crown or party hat!

·         Let’s Eat (and Smash!) Cake: Every party needs a cake, but a first birthday calls for TWO! You’ll need one cake to serve your guests, and a smaller one for your baby to taste…and smash. Create an extra special (and safe) “throne” for the guest of honor to enjoy their smash cake. Add a scalloped felt garland to the back of the high chair seat, and transform the tray with a fringed tissue edge.

 About Jenn Sbranti

Jenn is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of popular event planning blog, Hostess with the Mostess where she provides hip and creative entertaining ideas to inspire events for all occasions. Jenn has been regularly contributes to many media outlets in addition to authoring her daily blog. Her modern and no-fuss approach to entertaining serves as an attainable resource for party planners everywhere.

Our Thoughts

Just in time! These classic products arrived just in time for my wee babe's literal birth day and another reviewers daughter was able to play and test them out while visiting. What baby doesn't love to play with stacking objects and different shapes?! Bright colors grab their attention and these are perfect toys for hand-eye coordination. Of course that is the utmost importance with a growing baby.

Fisher Price never fails to deliver on their quality products that will capture and hold your child's attention. Perfect for all boys and girls, even if a bit loud, such as the Corn Popper, the littles will love it!

Tried and true products from a trusted company. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!

Reviewed by Jackie