Becoming a mom for the first time this year gave me some perspective on the true “necessities” when you’ve got one on the way. The baby industry will have you think you need every wipe warmer, wee wee cover and water tester out there but beware! What follows is a list of items that I was surprised to find I couldn’t live without.

Boppy
This fine product is lovely support for those early days when you are mastering nursing. It truly saves your back considering how many hours a day you spend hoisting the little one up to the milk bar. As an added bonus it provides good support to the infant learning how to sit up.

Sleepers with mitts
Newborns have crazy wacky hands that constantly scratch up their sweet little faces. I love the pjs with the fold over mitts to hide the daggers. Mitts and a zipper for quicker changes? Even better.

Swaddle blankets
The blankets with the little built in pocket and velcro closure tabs were a godsend for the first month or two. The little guy loved being burritoed and these puppies got him super snug and kept him closed in while he slept. He outgrew them pretty quickly but they were nice while they lasted.

Swing
So I’m opposed to using the swing as a parent replacement but good lord how on earth did I think I could live without a swing? The swing bought me time to shower, make a quick lunch and get ready for work. I hear some babes don’t like ‘em but in our house the swing is baby ambien.

Bath pillow
Never knew I loved this pillow so much until I took too long to wash it and went two baths without it. He’s 8 mo old and still doesn’t try to wriggle out of it, he’s not slipping around everywhere and it lifts him up enough that I don’t have to teeter on the edge of the tub to reach him.

Rubber bib
I have enough laundry without having to wash a bib from every meal. Enter rubber bibs…wipe them down when you’re done with chow time and it’s good to go for the next round.

Mesh feeder
Little mesh bag attached to a ring/handle combination. This friend is a favorite in our house. It’s a great way to allow them to participate in feeding themselves. I’ve done fruits-regular, frozen and ice cubes for teething days. It can get kind of messy but that’s a given right?

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