What I really needed for the first year of my baby's life
Becoming a new parent is an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are so many things to consider and prepare for, it can be difficult to know where to start! As a mother who made it through the first year of my baby's life, I can confidently say that there were a few things that I really needed to make the transition into parenthood a little easier.
A Safe and Comfortable Crib
One of the most important items I needed was a safe and comfortable crib. I wanted to make sure my baby had a safe place to sleep, and that started with choosing the right crib. After spending way too much time reading reviews, I wound up buying the Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib. It met all the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and is made from sustainable New Zealand pine wood. It was also a stylish and versatile choice, as it will convert from a crib to toddler bed and daybed as my child grows. Combined with the Naturepedic Organic Classic Lightweight 2-Stage Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress this crib was a must-have for me as a new parent! The mattress itself is waterproof so I never did wind up using the mattress protector I purchased. Maybe it'll come in handy when he's a bit older.
Babyletto Lolly 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit in White and Natural, Greenguard Gold Certified
Naturepedic Organic Lightweight Classic Crib MattressA Reliable Stroller
After becoming a mom, I quickly learned that babies sleep better after spending some time outside so a reliable stroller is a must-have item! I looked for a stroller that is was as modular as possible and wound up getting the Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car Seat. It has been incredibly convenient to take around the neighborhood. I'd cover up my winter baby in snuggly blankets and during the summer we'd load up and head to our community pool. Being able to easily switch from car seat to stroller made traveling with the baby much easier before he started to pull himself up. Additionally, this option was more affordable than others I found. I didn't really use the bassinet until he was a bit bigger.
We had to fly when the baby was 8 months old so I wound up needing a smaller travel stroller. I wound up buying the Joolz AER after testing out my brother's and absolutely love it. It's definitely not for a newborn and has an okay amount of storage but it's super compact and light. We had no issue taking it on the plane and strolling the baby through a 2 hour line to get through customs. It's pricey and every accessory comes extra (I bought the bumper bar and rain cover) but it will be my stroller of choice until he outgrows it altogether.
Joolz AER
Evenflo Pivot Modular Travel System With SafeMax Car SeatDiapering Essentials
Diapers and wipes are absolute essentials for every baby's first year. I had probably received a thousand during my baby shower and I went through them real quick, so it was important to stock up! I chose to go with disposable diapers, mostly because my husband refused to use anything else. I wasn't a fan of the smell of Pampers and so I transitioned to Huggies but eventually the baby got chubby enough where the diapers were scratching him! Ultimately I bit the bullet and started a Coterie subscription and his skin has been free of any damage. They're pricey but they're super absorbent and do a little too good of a job hiding poop smells.
When it came to wipes, I tried ones that were gentle on my baby's skin and free of harsh chemicals. It was important to me to keep my baby's delicate skin protected, since he was prone to contact dermatitis. There were many great options but the ones that sealed the deal for me were the Huggies Special Delivery because they were the only ones where I could actually get ONE SHEET AT A TIME.
Despite the controversy, I included The Munchkin Step Diaper Pail in my list of essential items. Not only does it help in minimizing unpleasant odors, but it also makes it easier to dispose of soiled diapers. I chose it because it was tall enough to use one-handed and you can find cheap off-brand refills. The only issue I have is that my baby likes to open it and stick his hands inside (ew!) but that's the trade-off for being able to use it so easily!
Coterie Diapers
Huggies Special Delivery Baby Wipes
Munchkin Step Diaper PailA Safe Car Seat
A car seat is one of the most important purchases you'll make for your baby. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital, and you'll use it every time you take your baby in the car. When choosing a car seat, make sure it meets all safety standards and is appropriate for your baby's age, weight, and height. Since I used the SafeMax car seat from the Pivot Travel System, I needed one for when he outgrew it. As my baby grew, we transitioned to the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat which will last until he no longer needs a car seat at all. It can be adjusted as the baby grows, and it has a 10-year lifespan. It's also very easy to install and adjust.
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car SeatConclusion
As a mother, I know how important it is to have the right gear for your baby's first year. A safe and comfortable crib, a reliable stroller, and diapering essentials are some of the must-have items. However, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Hopefully this saves you a little time and in the future we'll be able to help you do your own research and choose the items that fit your lifestyle and needs!