The Simple Life of a Complicated Wife

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Prior to registering for our little Eva Grace, I spoke with a lot of moms regarding their “must-haves” for baby. Many times I received the response “Don’t believe the hype, babies really don’t need much. Stock up on diapers, try to breastfeed, and have a bassinet for them to sleep in. All of the other stuff is just “stuff”. This is an interesting (and truthful) outlook from current and experienced moms.

Then upon delving further into the subject about what a baby truly “needs” they start contradicting themselves. I’m using the word “contradicting” in a kind manner. They’re not trying to do this nor do they realize they’re doing this. I’m finding that many moms truly forget how much “stuff” they used/needed to get through each day with their newborn to one year old. Get their mind jogging a bit and they start remembering all of those little things that were must-haves and aided them in maintaining their sanity. I’m thankful all of these moms have been forthcoming with me as it’s sincerely helped me in the registering process and has helped me put together a great list of things to remember to purchase myself before Eva arrives.

With all of that said, I’m going to list the “must-haves” I’ve been given from all of the dependable mommies I know. You can use this list to help you make a registry when your time comes or you can just read it for a good chuckle. Don’t agree with some of these items and/or have an alternative suggestion? Let me know, I need all of the advice I can get! I’m not a mommy just yet, so what do I know, seriously?

First Time Mommy Must-Haves (2014)

Burp Cloths – and lots of ‘em! Baby will spit up, drool, and snot constantly. You can never have too many of these suckers. Tip: Hide them all over the house for easy access and in your diaper bag of course.
Bibs – These follow the same sentiment as the burp cloths to a degree.
Bassinet for your bedside – The first months are going to be tough, I’ve yet to hear otherwise from any moms. Keeping your little boog in the same room as you for a while is imperative for feedings and soothing throughout the night. Recommended product: Fischer Price Rock N’ Play Sleeper . Get the one that vibrates. It keeps the baby inclined while sleeping and it’s super easy to fold up and travel with as well. Other Option: Pack N’ Play with Bassinet add-on.
Swaddle blankets – it’s the best for your newborn and you need a few of these for nap time, soothing, and bed time.
Regular blankets – Never put them in the crib with your newborn but keep them around to wrap around baby and keep him/her snuggled up in the cooler months. Mommy Tip: Get one that is crocheted or has holes in it. This will help you feel safer if it ends up over baby’s face accidentally.
Teething toys – Not needed until baby begins cutting teeth but they’ll be a big help in calming the pain. Have you seen that giraffe toy everywhere? That’s the most popular teething toy (Sophie the Giraffe Teether).
Crib – Baby needs a bed too!
Crib Mattress – Still haven’t figured out how to pick the “right one”.
Waterproof Crib Pad Cover – Get a few of these because baby will wet the bed and you don’t want to ruin the mattress.
Bedding – This usually includes crib sheets (multiple), bumber, bed skirt, and mobile.
Mesh Bumper – This is better to use when your baby can’t life it’s head and to help prevent any suffocation.
Dresser – You need somewhere to store all of those little socks, onesies, and pants!
Bookshelf – Not necessarily a need for everyone but I’m anal about organization and everything needs it’s “place”.
Glider/Rocker – Perhaps more for mom than baby.
Nightlight/Lamp – You need a small light to turn on in the middle of the night for feedings or diaper changes.
Clothing hangers – You’re going to stock up on clothese but where are you going to put all of them? If you don’t want to store them in drawers and prefer utilizing the closet, you’ll need plenty of these. I’ve also found little divider pieces that you can put between groups of clothing to divide them by sizes/months.
Hamper – Your baby will soil clothing and it’s best you stay on top of laundry. Keep a hamper handy in your baby’s room.
Organizing Baskets – Where else are you going to store all of the pacifiers, creams, burp cloths, toys, and miscellaneous items?
Mittens – I took a breastfeeding class and in this class the teacher recommended against mittens. She said they’re like putting your child in handcuffs. I disagree as too many moms from what I’ve gathered. I’d prefer to keep my baby’s sharp newborn nails under control instead of having her scrape the side of her face off.
Sound Machine – Just about every mom has recommended one of these. I did some research and found that the Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine is the highest rated around. I haven’t tried it out yet but it looks great!
Boppy Pillow – This is an infant support pillow. It’s great support when breast feeding, bottle feeding, or if you simply want to wrap your baby in a pillow while she lays next to you on the couch (never leave unsupervised of course). You can also buy all sorts of covers for these to suit your personal taste.
Bumbo floor seat – First and foremost, again, do not leave your child unattended in one of these. Once baby is showing signs of being able to balance and sit up, this seat is ready to be used. Also, do not put one of these on top of a table with your baby in it. It’s called a floor seat for a reason. This seat enables your baby to sit upright and makes feeding fun.
Click Connect Travel System – The “click” part is super important. Instead of getting a separate stroller from your car seat, get a travel system where they both are purchased and used together. With just a simple click, you can put the car seat into the stroller, remove it, and click it into the base in your car. Also, try to find one where the stroller part is lightweight and easy to throw in the back of your car.
Baby Tub – One great piece of advice that has been given to me is to avoid those fancy shmancy spa tubs. Just get a basic tub with good support that can fit in a large sink or tub and don’t go overboard. You won’t use this for long anyway and it’s easy to clean. Recommended: Baby’s Journey Easy Reach Tub.
Little Remedies – These products help with hiccups, gas, colic, congestion, discomfort, etc. I registered for the New Parents Survival Kit which includes all of their products. I’ve been told it’s so helpful to have these on hand when a yucky symptom arises in your little one.
Shampoos, Body Wash, Creams, Healing Gel, etc – Self explanatory.
Changing Pad – Because you need somewhere to wipe their butt.
Changing Pad Covers – Pretty ones are great, and I registered for pretty ones but make sure you also registered for the waterproof covers/pads as well.
Car Seat Protector – This is a great product that you attach to the actual seat(s) in your car where you’ll be placing the car seat. This helps prevent wear and tear on your nice leather seats. This is a must for our family.
Back Seat Mirror – Another need for your car. For a long time your baby will be backwards facing in your car so you can’t see them easily. Attach a mirror to the headrest and this solves that problem.
Car Seat Arm Cushion – Carrying the car seat on your arm can leave quite the “impression” and begin to hurt. A cushion to wrap around the handle of the car seat will help alleviate this discomfort.
Body Baby Carrier – You can go for a cloth carrier that you wrap around your body like a toga, or you can go for something sturdy with a bunch of straps like a Boba. Each mommy has a different preference. This will come in handy when you need to be hands free like at the grocery or chores around the house.
Car Seat Cover – This is a piece of cloth that actually covers up baby in the car seat to help keep sun out of her face etc.
Walk Thru Baby Gates – This helps keep your baby in or your pets out.
Travel placemat – Keep one of these in your diaper bag and pull it out when baby is old enough to eat snacks at restaurants. Makes clean up easier for you and for your poor waiter.
High Chair – Once baby can sit up and eat solids, you need an easy to clean/safe place to feed your little one. We registered for a spacesaver seat that actually attaches to your existing kitchen table chairs.
Diaper Bag – I still haven’t decided on what the best diaper bag is for me but it’s been recommended that it should have lots of pockets, space, and have a zipper closure.
Pacifiers & Pacifier Clips – If you are someone who plans to give your fussy little one a paci, make sure you get the clips so that they don’t get lost as easy. Also look into getting a wubbanub. This cute little invention helps your baby find the paci easier themselves.
Travel Diaper Changing Pad – Many of us don’t want to lay our babies on dirty countertops while out and about. Bring a pad that’s easy to roll out and roll up to keep things sanitary.
Wipes Warmer – This is very controversial among moms. Some swear by the warmer and some think they’re a waste of time. I can’t offer my opinion just yet.
Diaper Disposal System – Another controversial product. Some moms think they’re a waste of time and don’t work well (like the Diaper Genie) and some love them. I’d like to give the Tommee Tippee brand a try.
Diapers – This is an obvious need and you can never have too many. The main thing recommended to me was to not buy too many newborns because baby grows out of that size super quickly.
Clothing – Another obvious. Many moms have told me you won’t need to buy much because you’ll get tons of clothes at baby showers but honestly, I’d rather buy clothes myself because I’m picky. That or I’d like people to buy the outfits/onesies I’ve registered for since they’re pre-approved
Hats/Bows – You have to accessorize your baby, duh.
Jumper – Once baby is more alert and is more stable when upright, a fun play jumper will keep baby entertained so that you can get maybe a minute or two to brush your teeth.
Swing/Bouncer – I registered for both. I’m a new mom, I’d like to try it all. Why not right? If I can put Eva down for 30 minutes in a soothing swing so that I can eat fajitas, I’m going to do it.
Floor Gym – Lay baby on this and she’ll be entertained for hours. Okay, maybe just a few minutes or until the dog licks her face. This is also great stimulation while trying out tummy time.
Toys – Pretty straight forward. Get some that will hang from the car seat.
Alcohol Wipes – Mainly needed to clean baby’s umbilical cord
Laundry Detergent – It’s best to clean baby’s clothes in something mild like All Free & Clear (most recommended to me)
Video Monitors – Many people purchase theirs from babiesrus or another baby store but our good friends have more of a ‘security system’ from BestBuy of which is awesome. It’s for Day/Night viewing and compatible with your iphone or ipad. We’ll definitely be going this route!
Breastfeeding? This section is for you:

Breast Pump – Automatic has been recommended most to me. Most insurance companies will 100% cover one of these. Mine will but I can’t order mine until one month before my due date.
Storage Bags – You need something to pump into and store your milk for those daycare days or nights out away from baby.
Bottle Warmer – This isn’t a must but it’s something that would make life easier when preparing baby’s bottle.
Nursing Cover – No one needs to see your girls except for you and baby and your hubby I suppose.
Healing cream – I’ve been told your nips will crack or get irritated. Keep this cream nearby to help.
Soothing Pads – These will also help soothe your poor girls between feedings.
Breast Pads – Insert these into your bra to help absorb any leakage that will surely occur. I, for one, do not want wet spots on the front of my shirts in the middle of a meeting at work.
Nursing Bra & Tanks – For easy access of course

Anddd I think that about covers it…for now. My friend Emily, of whom has a newborn little one (2nd Child), keeps texting me with all of these things she’s finding that she needs and thus, my list grows and grows. I’m so thankful for her help. Everyone needs an Emily. Another friend, Vicki, has been helping me with hand-me downs including maternity clothes and advice. Everyone needs a Vicki as well.

I hope this list comes in handy for anyone who is expecting or plans to have a little one in the near future. Feel free to message me through facebook if you have any questions or just to tell me I’m crazy for “needing” all of the above.