Let’s start by saying that I’m no expert in parenting or babies. BUT I’ve lived to tell the tale of my first year at motherhood without too many disasters. The one thing I’ve learnt is what you do and don’t need when it comes to a new baby. You’ll get SO many suggestions and ideas thrown your way. But when you look back on it, you’ll realise what the stand out things were that you needed and what made life easier for you – without wasting money. So, I thought I’d pass on my knowledge and these are the must haves I think you need for your new baby. (I will definitely be using all of these when / if we have another one if that’s not a recommendation I don’t know what is!)
1. Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine
For numerous reasons we didn’t end up breast-feeding. When we got home, after a day of doing bottles the way my mum and friends had done them (boil the kettle and then waiting it to cool etc.) I honestly felt like the stress was so real! Obviously, having a new baby meant I didn’t know him well enough yet to know exactly when he’d want feeding etc. Things were so new; it was such a learning curve.
I was given SO many ways of making bottles for night feeds too and my mind was blown. But let me tell you, the perfect prep machine is worth its weight in gold. It literally takes 2 minutes to make the perfect temperature bottle. I can’t even tell you how this makes a 3am feed 100x better. It doesn’t take much maintenance. A filter change every 3 months that cots approx. £10.00 (please buy the proper ones!) and that’s about it. You can use it with any bottle or beaker too.
I know there has been some drama around mold growing in the pipes, and trust me, I’ve unscrewed my machine a few times over the past year to check for any dodgy stuff, but it’s perfectly clean and clear. This is a must if you’re formula feeding. We’ve JUST stopped using it at just over 12 months because we’re moving onto cows’ milk. But it’s still going strong enough to pass on to a friend or family member. Definitely my number 1 on the list is the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine.
2. Sleepyhead Pod
This is a pricey one, but definitely worth it for encouraging a better sleep. Also great if you’ll be travelling or even if you want Grandma or Granddad to look after your new baby for a night or two… or three! You can check out my review of the Sleepyhead Grand here, which explains all about how great it is and why you should get it. But basically, it makes the baby feel more snuggled and lasts a pretty decent amount of time too! The Sleepy Head Deluxe is the one you need!
3. Water Wipes
These are another little pricey item compared to others on the market BUT they really work. Once gain, they were so good I did a review on them here. Looking back, I would say that Water wipes are great for the first 3 or 4 months. That’s when we found Cameos bottom was the most sensitive. Water wipes made a difference for sure and I would recommend them above all the wipes that say ‘suitable from birth’ based on experience. However, honestly, after the 4 months mark we went on to own brand wipes (with the old branded pack thrown in when on offer) and they work fine. But for the initially sensitivity after birth, these Water Wipes are an essential for sure.
4. Milton Cleaning Products
I didn’t even know that these existed until I had a baby. But Milton to cleaning products that are suitable for use around babies. The biggest product that helped us was their Milton Antibacterial Surface wipes. Honestly, you can clean dummies / soothers with them when they fall on the floor and they’re safe to pop back into babies mouth. If that isn’t peace of mind than I don’t know what is. You can use them for everything from wiping down the changing mat when you’re out, cleaning the high chair in a restaurant, toys, and teethers…. The list goes on. Oh and when your little one starts weaning onto solid food… these will be your knight in shining cleanliness. I did review the range here too if you want more in depth information. Obviously, water and soap is better, but these are absolute life safer for the changing bag.
5. Angel Care Bath Support
At first I thought this was just an on trend product, but it REALLY helped. When I compare it to other baby baths, this is much better. It’s soft so comfy for the baby and the water runs straight through it so their skin isn’t being dried out in the water while their little. The material warms up to the water temperature super quick so they aren’t freezing their little hands off either. It’s the perfect size, suckers to the bath and basically means you can lift their legs up and clean under their bottom too. It lasted until Cameo was about 8 months, then he was basically pulling himself out of it and it became too dangerous. But once again, it’s perfect to reuse or pass on. Plus, it’s lightweight and not that big at all, you can leave t in the bath when you shower because the water just runs through it. The Angel Care Bath Support really is a little angel.
There you go! Those are my top five new baby must haves. I’m sure there are a few more but these are the top things I’d have if I have another baby, they’re also top of the list for new baby gifts if someone I know has new baby. The perfect baby shower gifts too!
What are your new baby must haves? What made your life easier when you were a new mum?