Maya’s Must Have Baby Items
And here comes the baby, and you’re wondering what do I need, how much should I spend? I’m here to help you come up with the items I think are the most practical, affordable (most, not all), and stuff you will actually use!
When I had my first child in 2017, I was really into everything being grey! I loved it, it was neutral and matched everything, plus I knew I could save most the items for baby #2, whether it was a boy or girl.
And just so you know, my fav baby brands are Nuna, Skip Hop, Baby Trends and Target’s Cloud Island brand is a great go to for simplistic items.
Loading...these are a few of my favorite things, baby edition. It may seem long, but hey raising a baby ain’t no short task!
Nursery
Furniture of course, but don’t go too expensive. There are affordable brands with coordinating pieces to match. Plus the baby may or may not be in their room much. Also, look for space saving items, like changing tables that come on top of the dresser.
At least 2 sets of crib sheets and blankets. I say don’t go too overboard in this area, because baby spends most of the time in the parent’s room.
Receiving blankets- Or you can steal some from the hospital, that is just fine. Lol But don’t take pictures for IG with these at home, I mean it’s a little tacky haha
Feeding
Bottles- I used Dr. Brown’s because they were highly recommended by one of my friends. Before you buy too many, make sure your baby will take a liking to a particular bottle. These bottles are perfect to prevent gas and colic with babies. You can also get these bottles from places like Marshalls.
Bottle nipples- Come in different sizes and grow with the baby.
Bottle warmer- Because I had the Dr. Brown bottles, I used the easy bottle warmer to match the bottles. Whatever bottles you choose, get the same bottle warmer so that the bottles are sure to fit.
Bottle sterilizer (I thought this was cool, because I mean it’s 2021, who still boils bottle on the stove lol)
Bottle Wash- I chose a fragrance I thought could overpower the smell of milk.
Bottle bag- Perfect for quick and easy on the go carrying. Or to keep your milk cold if you’re breastfeeding.
Bibs and plenty of them, because baby drools all day and throws up!
Plastic bibs for feeding. Will come in use more once the baby is on solids.
High chair- This is the one I had, it was cute and I love the Nuna brand, but the baby can’t rest his head against the back, so therefore I never got to experience the baby eating and falling asleep in the highchair. I recommend something more practical like this Baby Trend model.
Organization
Diaper stations on every level of the house. This makes it easy to change the baby no matter where you are in the house. I used a diaper caddy in the main living area, equipped with wipes, diapers, changing mat, and diaper cream. For the bedroom, my Halo Bassinet came with a storage area on the side where I would keep 2 diapers and wipes.
Pacifier holder, because who wraps the pacifier in a napkin anymore when it’s not in use. Speaking of pacifiers,* pacifier wipes came in handy when needing to clean the paci off. Again, it’s 2021, please don’t clean that baby’s paci in your mouth! Oh and a simple pacifier clip is a must!
Baby Gear and Activity
Stroller, you’ll have to do your research on this one. Because it really depends on what you’re looking for. Style, convenience, and sleekness. The stroller I used was the Mima. With the adaptors, this stroller can hook up to the Nuna, Pipa Car Seat, mentioned below.
Pacifier- I used the same ones the hospital gave me. Before you buy too many, see what your baby likes. And did you know, pacifiers come in different sizes, depending on the age of your baby?
*Diaper Bag- I wanted something simple, and not too expensive. Oh and it had to be practical, so a bookbag was the best choice. I chose black, so it was something easy dad could use too. The Skip Hop Chelsea bag is sooooo perfect! And has all the necessary components for perfect storage. And it’s only $100.
Baby Walker and/or Push Walker
Shopping Cart and High Chair Cover- Because ewwwww germs lol
For the Car
Car seat cover- It’s cute, plus you don’t want to damage your seats from the car seat.
Car Seat, I still prefer the infant car seat instead of the convertible all in one while the baby is a newborn. I didn’t switch Lincoln to a convertible car seat until he was 10 months. One of my fav brands for car seats and baby products is Nuna. The Maxi-Cosi is another brand we loved.
Car Seat Cover for winter babies; Car Seat Cover for summer babies
Car Seat handle cushion- Because sis, carrying that car seat WILL hurt your poor arm.
Bath
Tub- Don’t go too crazy over this one, just a simple plastic tub is just fine. Baby does not need the tub with the shower head piece attached lol
Bath Mat, when baby gets a little older
Bath Rinser for washing baby’s hair
Elbow rest for mom, it also can hold items you want to quickly take off and not lose, like jewelry
Some of these items come as a bundle!
Wash cloths, thick ones
Body Wash- In the beginning I used head to toe soap, and washed Lincoln’s hair with the same soap as his body. As he grew more hair, I began to use Curls for Baby and Shea Moisture Wash and Go, which has a shampoo, conditioner and leave in spray to reinvigorate curls.
Lotion- I just love me some Dove Baby lotion!
Health
Boogie Wipes- Listen, these things come in handy so you don’t wipe the baby’s nose too hard with a tissue or napkin. And they come infused with saline, to help the baby breathe better if they had a cold or runny nose. I still use Boogie wipes on Lincoln and he’s almost 4.
Diaper Rash Cream- Don’t use anything else besides this Butt Paste, it’s easy and clears any rash up QUICK.
Clothes
Lots of onesies- Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve
Free and clear laundry detergent. I liked Seventh Generation, and because I’m an easy pod girl, I used their pods. They have liquid detergent too.
Baby Hats for when it’s cold around the house or in the hospital. Was perfect for after I washed the baby’s hair in the winter.
If You’re Breastfeeding
A pump, your insurance company should provide you with one
Breastfeeding Cover so you can comfortably feed the baby in public.
Nursing Pads- You can leak anytime! I never left the house without them lol
Nursing Sleep Bras- I found these very helpful because you have to sleep in a bra so you can sleep with the breast pads if you leak, and who wants to sleep in a wired bra.
Nursing Camis- These were perfect for being around the house, and not wanting to wear a bra. The bra was built inside.
Nursing Gowns were perfect for being around the house, and gave easy access to your breasts for the baby and for pumping.
Things That Can Wait
Baby Monitor- See if you will need it before buying. Like I mentioned, the baby spends a lot of time in the parents room.
Feeding items for when baby begins solids
Pack and Play- Before you purchase, see if this is something you’ll use. If you decide to get one, get one with a changing table and rocker connected.
I didn’t use teething rings for the baby, but it just depends
Things You Better NOT Buy
A wipe warmer- Baby is just fine without having to warm the wipes, it builds character lol
Baby knee pads- Babies have been crawling just fine since the beginning of time lol
A lot of baby shoes
Bath robe, because just WHY??? lol