Rule #178: Babies need stuff.
It’s almost impossible to put together the ultimate list of what to buy for baby. Every kiddo + parent is different. After preparing for two babies now, we’ve gotten a little wiser (and I emphasize little) in regards to what we’ll spend money on. I’ve put together a list of the best baby buys that have helped make our lives a bit easier when handling a little munchkin. I’ve posted our favorite baby buys before, but I wanted to give an updated list with more of our favorite baby goodies!
This one is first for a reason, folks. If you’ve ever applied Boudreaux’s Butt Paste with your bare finger, you know it takes a ridiculous amount of elbow grease + soap (or a lot wipeys) to get it off. If you have one of these magical wands, all you do is apply the cream to the spatula part and then apply it to cute baby’s tooshie. Then, you just wipe off the extra cream with a wipey. Saves your manicure every time!
These sleep sacks are our favorite for easily swaddling baby. I’m not the greatest with the blanket fold, fold, tuck maneuver. This one is just a simple zip + velcro situation. They come in different sizes and TONS of patterns. There are even different brands that work differently, but Halo is our favorite.
Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller | $99
WHERE HAS THIS THING BEEN MY WHOLE PARENTING CAREER!? Back when we had Corey (literally just three years ago…) this little number wasn’t around. At least we didn’t know about it. It’s a stroller meant just for the infant car seat we use, but if you have a different one seat, there’s a stroller linked below. Basically, the stroller is able to be ‘assembled’ with one hand (think: lift and pop), then you plop in the car seat and rolllllll on outta there. The storage at the bottom + the cup holders are a DEFINITE bonus.
Baby Trend Snap N Go Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier | $71
This one is supposed to work with many different infant seats.
We have this BOB Stroller Package that we used when Corey was in the infant car seat and older. It’s the perfect stroller for running, hiking, or going places like the Farmer’s Market or the Fair or amusement parks. The BOB is super durable and will last you forever! Corey hasn’t fit comfortably in the BOB for a while now, but he’s a pretty big kid. I’m hoping Baby G #2 will get a little longer use out of it. The same goes for this umbrella stroller – worked great to keep stored in the back of the truck until we needed it.
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
We had to get a new monitor that had a longer range from the baby’s room to our room. This one has been wonderful! We have a camera for the nursery and Corey’s big boy room. Both give us a very clear picture, great sound, and the monitor itself is easy to work with. It also holds a great charge.
Since I’ll be having another c-section, I won’t be able to hop on up the stairs quite like I’d love to in order to get to Corey or the baby. So, the baby will be sleeping in our room for the foreseeable future, and the Pack-n-Play bassinet we used with Corey isn’t going to cut it for that long of a time. We decided to get this bassinet because it has its own music, a vibrating feature, plus a great nightlight. Jon’s thinking of putting wheels on it so we can move it around to different rooms a bit easier. I do wish it came with them already attached.
Accessories:
Fitted Sheet | Diaper Caddy | Waterproof Mattress Pad | Owls Mobile
Corey loved these teethers (we still have them, too), and we got a few more as gifts for Baby G #2! They’re the perfect shape for baby’s mouth, and they can be washed in the dishwasher!
Sophie La Girafe – So Pure Teether
We had the original Sophie La Girafe for Corey, but I heard nightmarish stories of the bacteria that grows on the inside of the squeaker. This cute little teether is good for baby to grab onto and chop down on without the fear of the bacteria growth. Super cute!
Fisher Price Sit-Me-Up Seat with Tray (aka “The Lion Chair”)
Everyone who’s had one of these will tell you how AWESOME they are for baby! I started propping Corey up in this as soon as he could hold his head up. I’d just stuff some blankets around him like a little caterpillar in a cocoon. The tray is removable and you can use it for toys or snacks. I’d put Corey in this and let him be my sous chef while I cooked dinner. He loved it!
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
I know a ton of folks who’ve had one and their kids have loved it as much as Corey did. The activity piece can be taken off and set on the floor for baby, popped onto the walker as shown below, and the walker itself is a great encouragement for baby to get upwardly mobile. Corey loved everything about this toy (still does to be honest). Our in-laws gave us theirs, so now we actually have one for upstairs and down!
Fisher Price Smart Stages Crawl Around Car
Another “everyone loves it” toy. We’d buy this again 5 times over. Corey loved sitting in it when he was only able to barely sit up on his own (we’d shove a Boppy around him to help him out), he’d crawl in when he was a bit older, and now he’ll go sit and “drive” around, too.
Step2 Whisper Ride Push Buggy (also comes in pink)
Our neighbors have this awesome little buggy, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be getting one for Baby G #2 when he/she is old enough. It’s perfect for pushing baby around while keeping your hands free when you want something a little different than the stroller.
Corey had a full-blown case of colic (lots of gas + reflux), and this swing saved our sanity! We borrowed a mamaRoo from a friend, but that didn’t do the trick for Mr. Corey. This swing was cheaper and got Corey to sleep and stay asleep for a long time. Every baby is different, but this one was the key to a good nap for our big guy.
I hope this helps those of you looking for goodies to buy for baby. I’d love to know any of the things you’ve had that have helped make life easier for you + baby, too!