Shopping for a new baby can be exciting, overwhelming, and very expensive, so how do you decide which products to buy and which to leave on the shelf?
I would recommend speaking with other mums to see what they found useful. Be warned, though, they will all give you different answers as no two mums are the same. What one mum may find fabulous, another may think is not worth its money.
So I wanted to share my top 5 baby products for new mums, these are products that I have found useful, essential and would be lost without…
Baby Monitor
There are so many different brands and models available, so take the time to think about what features are important to you. From sensor mats, built-in cameras, lullabies and temperature sensors, it can all feel a little overwhelming. Ask your friends, family and other mums what baby monitor they used with their child(ren) to see how they got on with it and whether they would recommend it. Personally, I have used BT monitors with both Roo and Tigger; in fact, Roo’s monitor is still going strong almost seven years later. I have older models of the BT Baby Monitor 250. Why did I buy?
- Temperature sensor – Our nursery has 3 external walls, so it can be the coldest room in the house, and we wanted to keep an eye on the temperature. Too hot and the display flashes, and too low, the parent handset bleeps.
- Built-in nightlight – Nightlight on the base unit, which can be turned on or off using the parent handset too.
- Lullaby – The option to put on the lullabies using the parent handset and have either one lullaby on repeat or the selection on repeat.
- Torch – Trust me, you’ll be thankful for that when you are trying to find something in the baby’s room at 2 am!
If you’re considering a smart baby monitor, Nanit stands out for its combination of sleep analytics, breathing-monitoring features, and convenient app-based remote viewing.
Grobags – Baby sleeping bags
The year before I had Roo a colleague at work fell pregnant with twins and would often bring in some of the lovely things she had bought in preparation. One of the items she brought in was a Grobag, and for me, it was love at first sight. So when I found out I was pregnant with Roo, I went on a little Grobag spending spree, so much so that my best friend banned me from buying any more (there are so many cute designs, it was difficult not to buy them). Anyway, Grobags are designed to prevent little ones from kicking off blankets and are, in fact, safer than blankets, as babies can’t accidentally cover their faces with a Grobag. So why buy?
Compatible with a 5-point safety harness, so if you have been out and about and the baby is due for a nap or bedtime, you can get them ready before you set off home. Also, if you are driving around at 3 am to get said baby back to sleep!
Muslin cloths
As a new mum, I thought that muslin cloths were just for burping, to catch milky sick, and then to be thrown in the wash. I soon came to realise that they were part of my everyday life. From wiping and catching up sick, dribbles and little accidents, protecting your clothes in a vain attempt to last the day without finding dribble or sick down your top. They also make a great comfort blanket. Tigger still takes his muslin to bed every night. I would recommend purchasing muslin cloths as they wash well, hold their shape and are so much softer against a baby’s skin.
Bath seat
Whilst some parents swear by all-in-one changing units, personally, I don’t. The impracticality of filling and emptying the bath hidden below the changing station does not work for me. Most homes have a bath, so why not use it for the baby too? For Roo, we never had a bath seat, and I would struggle to hold her with one arm whilst cleaning her, accessing baby products, etc., with the other. I was given a baby bath seat by a friend when I had Tigger, and honestly, I don’t know how I managed without one for Roo. I would recommend placing the seat on one side of the bath so the baby can touch the side with their hand, which makes them feel more secure.
Changing Bag
Many pushchairs will come with their own changing bag, which, whilst it may coordinate with your chosen mode of baby transport, may not be functional, practical and long-lasting. I was fortunate to win a Pink Lining changing bag early last year, and it is amazing how much you can fit in there. From helpful pockets, a strong yet comfortable strap and durable fabric, not forgetting the fabulous range of designs available.
So there you have it, my top 5 baby must-have products, but what would you include in your top 5?
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
