Must Have Items for Postpartum Life
Some of my favorite items so far for Camille’s first few months with us.
Pumps/Feeding:
Spectra S1 - I like the S1 model bc it's portable. Still bulky though compared to the Elvie, but it's more of a "hospital grade" pump which I find gets out more milk. I think this one is more commonly covered through insurance too
Elvie - I use this as my mobile pump when I need to multitask or at night time since it's easier. Full review on the Elvie pump HERE.
Dr. Brown's are my favorite bottles bc they have a long skinny nipple and narrow bottle which is good for newborns since it controls the flow better, but every baby is different and may prefer a different type.
Burp Cloths - Always have more of these around than you think you need! Depending on how messy of an eater your baby is, you may go through one of these per feeding. My Cam can get milk everywhere, so we rotate through these on the regular. I never thought I would have a strong opinion on burp cloths, I thought they were all the same. These are super convenient bc they stay put with a button. These ones are great for over the shoulder burping bc they are super soft. Cam always falls asleep on my chest after she’s done eating too, so it’s nice to have these for her to lay on. These are big and super absorbent which can be used for multiple feedings.
Formula - I’ve been combo feeding pretty much since Camille was born. Even if you choose to EBF, I think it’s always good to keep some formula on hand in case of emergencies or simply for convenience. Due to my c-section, my milk didn’t come in right away. Now that my supply has increased, we supplement with formula as needed. Our favorite is Bobbie. It’s styled like European formulas, however meets FDA requirements. Camille is loving it!
Baby Clothes:
Magnetic Me has the best onesies. Super soft and made with magnets closures instead of buttons which is a game changer.
Spearmint Baby wide selection of clothes from multiple retailers.
For wake & play time:
Baby Bjorn Bouncer - We use this sparingly since it’s still considered a “container” but it definitely comes in handy when mama needs to set baby down for a little bit.
Play Mat/Sky Gym - We LOVE this one. It’s super soft and not an eye sore like most kid’s toys are.
Cute play mat - Obsessed with this brand because their play mats are actually cute, and not obnoxious colors. I replaced the rug in our family room with this - we spend so much time on the floor with Camille, this mat is definitely easier on the joints!
Black and White Cards - It can be somewhat challenging to play with a newborn, so one of the ways we stimulate her during wake time is with these high contrast cards. Since they’re black and white, baby can easily focus in on them. Helps with brain and eye development, as well as head/neck strength by moving side to side.
Sleep:
Hatch Sound Machine - Doubles as a night light and has an app so you can program sounds/light for bedtime to start automatically.
Halo Swaddle w/velcro - Traditional swaddles didn't work for Camille, she would always baby Houdini herself and manage to get her arms loose. These are easy to wrap her in and have a stronger hold. We’ve transitioned her to arms out but can still use these as a sleep sack/wearable blanket in the meantime.
Dock-a-Tot - We use this only for naps when we can monitor her since the sides aren't breathable mesh. It's so soft, she naps for a long time in this.
Newton Baby Crib Mattress - We just transitioned her to her crib and am more at ease using this mattress bc it's breathable and machine washable. So if she were to flip on her face, she could still breathe safely.
For Mama:
MASONgrey - The softest, chicest robes for mama.
Nipple Gel Pads - Pro tip: cut these into quarters since they are so big and kinda pricey considering how many come in the pack. They can be used way more than once too. I keep them in the fridge when I’m not wearing them. Literally saved my nipples especially in the first week when we were still in the hospital.
Mini Fridge - I got so tired of going up and down the stairs in the middle of the night so I got this to store milk in the nursery. Holds about (5) 4oz bottles or (2-3) 9oz bottles depending on the shape. It gets really cold, plus you can throw in the nipple pads too!
Wonder Weeks App - I didn’t know babies go through so many “leaps” aka developmental growth stages. It tracks your baby’s leaps and also integrates with your calendar. I’ve been surprised by how accurate it is with when Camille is more fussy than normal - so far it’s been in line with when she’s approaching a leap.
UppaBaby Vista V2 stroller + car seat + base - Amazing stroller! Definitely feels like the Porsche Cayenne of strollers - comfortable, chic, and sturdy. Comes with multiple carriage seats (bassinet and toddler) and the car seat clips into the stroller which makes it easy. The car seat can be on the heavier side compared to some other models, but it's super sturdy which I like.