Hello hello!
I hope you all are having a lovely start to your Spring! I apologize for the brief hiatus. I have been preoccupied staring at our gorgeous newborn and changing diapers, SO many diapers.
For my first post back I decided to share a newborn checklist along with all of my favorite small shops for baby goodies!
Newborn Checklist
(View/Print PDF Here)
Expecting? Planning on getting pregnant? Here are the things I found to be crucial and other items I strongly recommend getting:
Clothing
2-3 pairs of newborn gloves
2 newborn size hats
4-6 pairs newborn socks and/or booties
3-4 pairs of pajamas (with zippers not snaps)
Other sleepers (i.e. sleep sacks, wearable blankets, etc. I recommend getting one of each and seeing what your baby likes)
4-6 newborn Short sleeve onesies
4-6 newborn long sleeve onesies
3-4 newborn pants/ leggings
Dreft detergent and stain remover spray
Bedding
3-5 swaddle blankets (I like muslin)
3-4 other warmer blankets
Bassinet or co-sleeper
Crib
2-3 fitted Crib sheets
2 waterproof mattress covers
Firm mattress (if using crib)
Feeding
Breast pump
Milk storage bags
Bottles with newborn nipples (Start with a couple until you figure out what your baby likes)
Nursing Pillow
Nursing bras (at least 2 daytime and 2 sleeping)
Nursing pads
Lotion for sore nipples
Bibs and burp cloths (not sure you can have enough or too many)
Diapering
Diapers (I recommend Pampers Swaddlers)
Wipes
Diaper pail
Changing pad
2 changing pad covers
Cream for diaper rash
Diaper bag
Bathtime
Infant tub
2-3 hooded towels
6-8 washcloths
Baby shampoo
Baby body wash
Gear
Car seat
Stroller
Baby monitor
Grooming and Health
Comb or brush
Nail clippers
Bulb syringe
Digital thermometer (rectal most accurate)
Medication for fever
Petroleum jelly
Other things that I strongly recommend:
Bottle drying rack
Wipe warmer (really helps with middle of the night changes)
1-2 newborn size sweaters
3-4 Changing pad liners (so you don’t have to constantly wash your covers)
Sanitizing wipes for pacifiers (great for on-the-go)
Sound machine
2-3 newborn dress-up outfits (you’ll want to show your baby off!)
Gripe water (Natural relief for colic and gas)
Baby carrier or sling
Portable playpen (great for traveling or trips to grandma and grandpa’s house)
2-4 pacifiers
Pacifier clips
Swing
Rocking chair or glider
Baby hangers
Play mat
Rattles and other toys for newborns
Car seat cover and/or window shades (if your rear car windows aren’t tinted – also nice for trips to the store so strangers don’t get too close to your newborn)
Dresser
Hamper
Changing table or topper
Favorite Shops
I also wanted to share with you some of my absolute favorite finds for our baby. I wanted to focus on small businesses because I know “shopping small” gets looked over because it can be time-consuming (and the last thing moms have is free-time). And if we do have a free moment, let’s be honest, we are going to spend it in a luxurious bubble bath gosh darn it!
So I’ve done the work for you! All you have to do is grab your credit card, hop on a computer, and peruse these fabulous baby items!
The best part? Most of these shops are owned by other moms! I’m all about supporting and celebrating mothers pursuing their dreams while raising the next generation of superstars.
Yay for moms! Yay for small businesses! And yay for darling baby products!
Madeline’s Box
First up, Madeline’s Box. I had been swooning over these leather braided pacifier clips since before I was even pregnant. Finding a stylish (non-cheesy) pacifier clip at the big box stores is virtually impossible (Trust me I tried). What I look for in baby accessories is simplicity and quality. These clips are just that. Plus, they are functional. You would not believe how quickly pacifiers disappear… especially in the middle of the night when your baby is having a melt down of epic proportions. I have quite the collection going already but I have no doubt I will end up getting these in every color of the rainbow. Also, shop owner, Heather, just launched a line of uber soft, nylon clips! Can’t wait to get my hands on one (or five) of those!
Lalabu
This soothe shirt has literally saved my sanity as of late. Our sweet Quinn has colic and the journey to calming her has been rough to say the least. At first I wouldn’t even acknowledge it as colic, I just said she was “opinionated”. Now that I have tried anything and everything to get her to relax I know that whatever is going on is beyond my control. The best I can do is to relieve her any way possible, even if only for a brief moment. Very few things provide relief, this shirt being one of them. It is actually what is allowing me to write this blog post. Quinn fits very snuggly (and comfortably) into the shirt, mimicking when she was in the womb, and soothing her sweet little soul. It keeps her in the upright position helping with any acid reflux issues that may be going on. Basically I’m a huge fan of the soothe shirt and it has my highest recommendation.
Side note: If you are interested in hearing more about how our family is coping with colic, let me know and I would be more than happy to share our experience.
koaBEAR
Next, is a local (to me) mama named Chansley. Her company koaBEAR (named for her daughter) features hand-sewn products including leggings, headbands, hair bows, and swaddle blankets. She uses the most darling fabrics I have ever laid eyes on. I mean come on, it doesn’t get any better than that birch tree nursing pillow. Not going to lie, getting to use that pillow makes the 2 am feeding not quite so drab. Her swaddles are my favorite as well. They are extremely soft and stretchy, ideal for creating that perfectly snug “baby burrito”.
Free Babes
I… I mean my daughter… *cough, cough* has a bow obsession. She literally does not leave the house without one adorning her adorable little noggin. My favorites are from Free Babes. I love the variety of sizes and designs. The color selection is unparalleled, so I can literally find a bow to match anything and everything in her closet. The nylon headbands are extremely comfortable and don’t leave that annoying red ring around her head. Quinn loves her bows! At least that’s what I tell my husband so I can keep buying more.
Sweet Threads
This is my all-time favorite boutique. I just wished they had one here on the central coast! However, their online store is bomb.com. Well, actually it’s sweetthreads.com but you get the idea. I love all of the lines they carry buy my absolute fav is their in-house brand, Paush. The vintage flair of these pieces is absolutely to die for! I can’t get enough of the ruffles and frills! I want it all!
Sadie Then Ty
Melanie’s pieces are stunning. Everything this sweet mom of four makes is truly a masterpiece. I am extremely picky about what Quinn wears and everything this shop releases is right up my alley. The quality of these pieces is magnificent and the designs unique. Next on my list? That gingham romper that was part of the spring release!
Heart Me
Seriously adorable. I’m a sucker for pom-poms. This shop offers rompers, bonnets, play mats, and blankets, all in the most cutest prints. Word to the wise: these products go fast so don’t be bummed if you don’t snag one on your first go-around. I promise it is worth the middle of the night wake up call (there is a time difference since the shop is in Australia). I can’t wait for Miss Quinn to fit into these gems!
Happy 1 Month Quinn Ivory!
