My 5 Must-Haves for Newborn Baby

Though I have only brought home and cared for 7 babies (since our 5th went to Heaven as a newborn), I have learned through the years what my “must-haves” are… and what I simply do not need or use. So, here are 5 must haves for newborn baby, especially for the first 6 weeks after baby is born.

 5 must haves for newborn baby

• Bouncer
  and/or portable swing. I was gifted a lovely bassinet at my baby shower for my first baby. I used it for babies 1 through 3, but when my 4th came along, I found he slept better in the Bouncer
  and it was super easy to move him from room to room in my house… and in the evenings, he could fall asleep in the living room and be moved to my room without being disturbed. Also, I could put the bouncer RIGHT next to my bed, meaning I could easily check on him and reach him. I also liked that it was in a reclined position, rather than flat… it just eased my mind about him choking on spit-up in the night. Since then, I have done the same with my 6th and 7th babies, and plan to do the same with baby number eight. When baby is around 4 weeks old or so, I usually switch to using the portable swing
  for nighttime sleep, since it is a little more secure.

• T-shirt. I love the little half onesies {the ones where the shirt overlaps in front and snaps on the side} for my newborns, especially before their umbilical cords fall off. They pair nicely with my newborn clothes of choice and make changing diapers quick and easy.

• Newborn Gown. Also, with my last several babies, I have used newborn gowns exclusively as clothes and pajamas for at least their first week of life. Paired with the t-shirt, socks, and a blanket; it makes for a perfect and most comfortable outfit for a brand new baby!

• Cheap bottles. Though breastfeeding is ideal, for most of my babies I have quit breastfeeding completely when they are around 6 weeks old, and choose to feed with a bottle every other feeding from birth (for various reasons, not up for debate). I have bought MANY bottles over the years, especially with my 2nd child who had severe feeding disabilities… from the cheapest to the most expensive. For all of my bottle babies (except child number 2), the cheapest bottles have been all that I needed! My favorites are Gerber and Evenflo.

• Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers: I absolutely LOVE the Pampers brand for my newborns. I get the Swaddlers Sensitive. I do not like the regular Pampers diapers, but the Swaddlers are a “must-have” for my newborns! They are super soft, almost cloth-like, and fit my babies the best. I have tried Huggies and Luvs for my newborns and Pampers has won in my experience! I just saw that Pampers now offers the Swaddlers in up to size 5… so I might have to stick with them even after my baby outgrows the newborn size!

So, there you have it… my 5 favorite must-haves for baby! What are your favorite baby items?