Newborn Necessities - My Must-Haves For The Fourth Trimester
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links
I cannot even believe I'm writing this, but my little Elliott just turned 6 months old! People always say the days are long but the years are short, and oh man do I ever believe it.
Getting to this stage has not been the easiest, if I'm being completely honest. I was warned by many that the first 3 months (the 'fourth trimester') are usually the hardest, but I always thought, "How hard could it be?"
Being the oldest of 5 kids (the 'built-in babysitter', as my mom liked to call me) gave me a lot of experience, but there were still many things that blindsided me. There are some things the baby books don't tell you, folks! While we've had our shares of ups and downs, I finally feel like we're getting into the swing of things. Truthfully, I learn something new every day, and it makes it all that much more exciting!
Now that baby bumps are literally popping up all over my Facebook feed, and I see a lot of new parents hitting that follow button of mine, I thought I'd share some of the products that helped me to get through those first 3 months of motherhood. So whether you're preparing for a new roommate, or you're simply shopping around for baby shower season, I hope these recommendations help make 'the fourth trimester' a little less daunting.
Copper Pearl Swaddle Blanket - $39.99 CAD at Well.ca
This was our go-to blanket for swaddling because it was so big and had a ton of stretch to it. We would actually panic when it had to be washed because nothing else really compared!
I'll admit I was not the best at making Elliott into a little baby burrito, especially when compared to my husband; the self-professed swaddling pro. But this blankie made it SO easy to make sure he was snuggled up tight every time. The cute cookie print just made it that much more sweet!
They have a ton of really adorable prints and patterns, and even matching knot hats, carseat covers and bibs!
HydraSense Baby Nasal Aspirator Kit - $20.99 CAD at Well.ca
Elliott got his first cold when he was almost 2 months old, right around the time when we started to get the first real signs of winter. He got so congested it was causing him difficulty to nurse, and I went into full blown panic mode. He obviously couldn't blow his nose, how the heck do you get those boogers out safely?!
I'll admit the concept of sucking out snot is pretty gross, I can't tiptoe around that. But it is seriously effective! This kit from HydraSense has been a total lifesaver. Unlike traditional bulbs that cannot be opened up and cleaned out, this aspirator is totally hygenic and easy to sterilize. The silicone tip is soft and small enough to fit baby's teeny little nose, and the disposable filters ensure you won't taste any boogers in the process.
Beluga Baby Wrap - $76.95 CAD at Beluga Baby
Even before I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be a baby-wearing mom. The idea of being able to snuggle my little one hands-free was so appealing to me! This has allowed me to do things like cook dinner, or finish up a blog post, all while soothing Elliott (and even getting him to nap).
I did a ton of research into different carriers and wraps and ultimately settled on Beluga Baby. You know how much I love to support Canadian-made products, and this company happens to be woman-run and based in Vancouver!
My husband and I still regularly carry Elliott in this wrap. It's made of the softest bamboo cotton, which means it's super breathable too. Don't let the wrap intimidate you; they have a bunch of easy to follow Youtube tutorials to help you learn to tie it properly. I could probably do it blindfolded by now! No matter your style, Beluga Baby carries lots of gorgeous colours and patterns to choose from. I was lucky enough to snag the limited edition tye-dye Joni colour-way (named after Joni Mitchell, of course), and it goes with just about anything. They even make miniature versions so that your little one can baby-wear their favourite doll!
Nature Bond Silicone Breast Pump - $20.99 CAD at Amazon
Nursing mamas, meet your your new 'breast' friend (you know I can't resist a good pun).
I really loathe having to pump breast milk. It truly makes me feel like a dairy cow at milking time, as much as I hate to make that comparison. Plus the task of having to sterilize all of the parts every time is so cumbersome; I barely have time to do my regular dishes!
This is the lazy mom's dream come true. This isn't so much a 'pump' as it is a milk catcher. You just suction this onto the opposite breast you're nursing on, and it catches any milk that results from a letdown. It's mind-blowing when you see what would otherwise be soaked into a breast pad. It's helped me create a little freezer stash and keep up my milk supply, which means it's worth its weight in gold to me.
What are your must-have baby products? Share with me in the comments!
Even before I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to be a baby-wearing mom. The idea of being able to snuggle my little one hands-free was so appealing to me! This has allowed me to do things like cook dinner, or finish up a blog post, all while soothing Elliott (and even getting him to nap).
I did a ton of research into different carriers and wraps and ultimately settled on Beluga Baby. You know how much I love to support Canadian-made products, and this company happens to be woman-run and based in Vancouver!
My husband and I still regularly carry Elliott in this wrap. It's made of the softest bamboo cotton, which means it's super breathable too. Don't let the wrap intimidate you; they have a bunch of easy to follow Youtube tutorials to help you learn to tie it properly. I could probably do it blindfolded by now! No matter your style, Beluga Baby carries lots of gorgeous colours and patterns to choose from. I was lucky enough to snag the limited edition tye-dye Joni colour-way (named after Joni Mitchell, of course), and it goes with just about anything. They even make miniature versions so that your little one can baby-wear their favourite doll!
Nature Bond Silicone Breast Pump - $20.99 CAD at Amazon
Nursing mamas, meet your your new 'breast' friend (you know I can't resist a good pun).
I really loathe having to pump breast milk. It truly makes me feel like a dairy cow at milking time, as much as I hate to make that comparison. Plus the task of having to sterilize all of the parts every time is so cumbersome; I barely have time to do my regular dishes!
This is the lazy mom's dream come true. This isn't so much a 'pump' as it is a milk catcher. You just suction this onto the opposite breast you're nursing on, and it catches any milk that results from a letdown. It's mind-blowing when you see what would otherwise be soaked into a breast pad. It's helped me create a little freezer stash and keep up my milk supply, which means it's worth its weight in gold to me.
What are your must-have baby products? Share with me in the comments!