We survived month one, maybe not with flying colors but we survived nonetheless. After Emerson's birth and as we neared our home arrival I got a bit nervous wondering if the things I had registered for or purchased would really be useful during this newborn phase. I was worried that some of the "expensive" items we received wouldn't get used or wouldn't work out the way I had envisioned. With your first born everything is pretty much a trial so I am thrilled that these items held up their end of the bargain and were essential in helping us survive the first month with Emerson!
Nuna Sena Travel Cot:
I read and saw lots of photos of other bloggers who purchased a traditional pack 'n play along with a bassinet, using the bassinet next to the bed for the first several months. I couldn't bring myself to purchase both items so I opted for the Nuna Sena Travel Cot which acts as a pack 'n play. It is the perfect size and the mattress aligns nicely with the height of our bed, plus the mesh outside still allows me to rollover and check on Emerson in the middle of the night. We place it next to our bed at night and I am able to roll it out in the living room during the day so I can have her take naps or set her down in it from time to time. Plus, the add-on Nuna Sena Changer is a lifesaver. It fits nicely on top and makes picking up Emerson in the middle of the night to change her diaper a breeze!
4moms Infant Tub:
I absolutely love this tub! We set it directly in our bathtub for bath time but it can fit in your kitchen sink as well. It uses running water so clean water is always circulating through, ensuring you aren't bathing baby with dirty water. It also comes with a temperature gauge ensuring that the temperature of the water is just right for Emerson! I cannot wait till she is big enough to sit in this tub by herself!
Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Stroller:
This was probably the item I was most nervous to use because it is not a cheap stroller. But, Emerson loves this stroller and so do I! The bassinet is such a nice feature, not only is it better for a newborns back but Emerson often falls asleep on our walks so I can leave her in the bassinet when we get home to continue napping safely. Additionally, Bugaboo sells a stand so you can take off the bassinet top from the stroller and create a proper bassinet. A nice added feature for anyone who wants their baby to sleep in a bassinet but doesn't want to purchase one separately. One added bonus, I put this stroller together myself so that should speak volumes on how easy it is to use!
4moms mamaRoo Plush Bouncer
This is a god send. I use this bouncer at least three times a day. It soothes Emerson and she can stay awake in it for 20-30 minutes which gives me time to make breakfast and lunch or any other household errands I need to do. She typically falls asleep in it which gives me an additional 30 minutes of hands free mom time! The different rocking settings and sounds are an added benefit for babies who have a particular style in which they liked to be rocked. We will definitely be using this bouncer more and more in the months to come.
Phillips Avent Soothie Pacifier
Now I know not all babies take to pacifiers but since the day we brought Emerson home she was chewing and sucking on her hands for comfort so we decided to give it a try. These are a lifesaver for us, it soothes her during her fussy times and helps put her to sleep and even prolongs her sleep if we can get it back in her little mouth in time. My only advice, buy a TON of these. We go through them like hot cakes and are always seem to be losing them around the house so the more you have on hand the better.
Lansinoh mOmma Bottle with NaturalWave Nipple
I read a ton of reviews on bottles and it really comes down to your baby's preference. For us, Emerson had an easy transition with these bottles. They were recommended to me by a lactation consultant. She takes in less air, can control the flow and moves from bottle back to breast seamlessly. Worth buying and giving one a try along with a few other brands to see what your baby prefers.
Sterilizer Turbo Stream
This is also a god send. I didn't realize how many bottles, breastfeeding parts, and pacifiers I would go through in a day. This sterilizer can hold a ton of items and cleans the items extremely quickly and efficiently. Quick being the operative word as I never seen to have a clean breast pump or bottle when I need it most, so the fact that I can get one sterilized in under 10 minutes it key!