10 Baby Items a New Mom cannot Live Without

Well, it has been awhile since I have had a post. I was busy having a baby and taking care of the little man. What a wonderful, life changing experience it is becoming a mother. Over the past two months there have been several items that I could not live without. Having several friends who are also expecting new little blessings soon, who have asked what would be the best items to register for, I decided there might be other moms asking this too. I thought I would make a list of items that have made life with a new baby much easier. 

1. Graco Pack 'n Play Napper Elite
   
   
   
   This playpen is not your ordinary pack 'n play. This model has great features that will grow with baby, including a changing table, bassinet, side storage, vibration, and it will also adjust into the traditional pack 'n play. We decided to keep this pack 'n play downstairs so we would not be running up and down the steps for naps and diaper changes. For the first few weeks this napper was a lifesaver. This bassinet was the only place my little man would sleep. I think he liked to be cozy and snuggled tight. It is also very helpful to have a changing station handy for late night diaper changes.
   
   
   The Napper can be found on Amazon, here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Graco UrbanLite Classic Connect Travel System 
   
   
                     
   After three weeks of sitting at home, I was trying so hard to abide by the doctor's orders and not take Liam out and about, but I was going crazy. This travel system was a lifesaver. We started taking a walk just about everyday (sometimes twice a day). I not only love the look of the stroller and carseat, but it is super functional too. 
   
   
   The travel system can be found on Amazon, here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Boppy Pillow 
   
   
   
   This Boppy pillow is a vital necessity for a nursing mother. It helps me ergonomically position   baby during feedings, allowing both baby and mommy to be comfortable (which is essential since you spend about 8 hrs a day feeding). This pillow also is great to prop up baby after feedings. I bought an extra slipcover to have an extra on hand for the unforeseeable accidents and spills. 
   
   
   It can be found at Target, here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Carter's Swaddle Blankets 
   
   
    
   Since everyone says that babies have to be swaddled when sleeping, we tried every swaddle blanket possible. We found out that good old fashion receiving blankets were the best for our little man. These particular blankets are Carter's swaddle blankets and have been our favorite. 
   Also helpful is mastering the art of swaddling. Here is a video that might be worthwhile to watch.  
   
   
   These blankets can be found at Kohls, here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Medela Pump and Style Breast Pump 
   
   
   
   Not much needs to be said about this breast pump, it is simply the best. The lactation specialists at the hospital said that this was the pump to get and I agree that it has been very helpful and super easy to use. 
   (I also had some trouble with my pump's plug not working. I called the costumer service department and they replaced my plug at no cost to me and it was at my house in one day) 
   
   
   This pump can be bought at Medela, here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Infantino Go GaGa Deluxe Twist and Fold Gym 
   
   
    
   My little guy loves laying under this fun and interactive play gym. It has a musical Mobile, mirror, plush animals, and is super cute. 
   
   
   This play yard can be bought at Target, here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Graco Duo 2 in 1 Swing 
   
   
    
   What I love about this swing is that it also turns into a bouncy chair, saving me space in my house (which is much needed when your home is taken over by baby gear). The swing has different speeds, music, and a timer. By just the squeezing the handles, the chair lifts out and can be used as a bouncy chair with 3 vibrating speeds. 
   
   
   This swing can be found here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Zip-up Sleepers 
   
   
   
   
   
   At first I was not a fan of the zipper, but I quickly found out that these are the most convenient sleepers (especially for midnight diaper changes). 
   
   
   These Carter's zip-up sleep and play sleepers can be found here. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Sound Machine 
   
   
   
   This little sound machine is very helpful for getting our little man to sleep at night. It plays three soothing nature sounds and three gentle lullabies, as well as a rotating projector that includes three image disks that can be adjusted to project on the ceiling or wall. 
   
   
   The MyBaby by Homedics Sound Spa-Lullaby Relaxation Machine is sold at Target, here.
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. Boppy Changing Pad Covers 
    
    
     
    A friend introduced me to these changing pad liners and at first, I thought that they were not necessary, but I soon began to see the usefulness of these liners. Instead of having to take off your changing pad cover every time you baby has an accident (which will happen often, especially if you have a little boy), you can just take the liner and throw it in the wash. I would suggest buying at least two packages of these pad liners, which will still save you money because you won't need numerous changing pad covers. 
    
    
    The Boppy Changing Pad Covers are sold at Wal-Mart, here.