Hi, I’m Olivia – a first time mom who stays home with my five month old son, Ford! Being a new mom has changed so many things for me, my priorities have totally shifted.
My blog, Emerald & Onyx, which once took up a lot of my time has now taken a back seat to my new role as mom. Each day is so different and I am grateful to stay home and care for my son, but being a new mom can be hard and some days I think I’m doing it all wrong. Other days, I feel like superwomen and have it all figured out. There is so much pressure for moms to get it right, and have it all together. The reality is, sometimes I don’t and that’s ok! I’ve learned to go with my gut, trust what’s in my heart, and not let the pressures of society influence how I raise my son. My mom wrote me a letter after Ford was born and she said, “Take one day and one moment at a time, you’ve got this!” That has stuck with me ever since, and as first time mom who needs so many things, (in addition to diapers and wipes) these are the items we use everyday and couldn’t live without!
NO. 1
Spectra 2 Breast Pump free through your insurance company!
This pump has been amazing for me because it closely resembles the feeling of nursing. For a first time mom, pumping and nursing is a whole new experience and feeling that you have to get used to. During my time in the hospital after giving birth, I used the Medela brand pump which I was able to have equal output with, but for me the Spectra felt more comfortable. I also liked that the flange size (two optional sizes included) worked better for my body. A nice feature that I love about the Spectra 2 is the built in light which has made pumping at night less disruptive.
NO.2
The Vava Night Light $19.99
This is ideal for middle of the night feedings, wake ups, etc. There is nothing worse than being half asleep and having to turn on a bright overhead light or lamp. This light taps on to a dim setting and can be tapped multiple times to change brightness and put off warm or cool lighting. The Vava also has a setting to stay on for an hour and shut off automatically. It is under $20 and the perfect bedside table must have. This is also great because when Ford gets older he can use it as a night light.
NO.3
Dock-A-Tot $175
We absolutely love our Doc-A-Tot and use it constantly! It is the perfect thing for any child as the sides allow for a safe space that your baby can lay in while you run to the bathroom or brush your teeth! It’s easy to move from room to room and is a great item to travel with! I love that the cover is removable and washable. Now that Ford is five months old and getting a bit more active, he lays in it and plays with toys all the time!
NO.4
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags $21.99
A must have for breastfeeding moms! You will want to start freezing milk so that you can bottle feed your little one on days you need a breastfeeding break. It’s also great to have frozen milk for a day you’re away from the home and need dad to be there for a feeding! Additionally, it is convenient for anyone heading back to work and leaving milk with a child care provider. I love the storage bags because they lay flat and allow you to store so much more in the freezer versus using a container.
NO.5
Skiphop Activity Center $129
This activity center is a great piece to have because it can be used for many years. It transitions from a sit, swivel, bounce and play to a cruise and interact table, and lastly to a play table that can also be used for crafting and meal time. This is a major bang for your buck because it’s three items in one! Products that adapt as your child grows are the must haves in my book. We absolutely love this for Ford’s playing and exploration. He loves all the little toys that clip on the side, as well as the piano that can be used with hands or feet! This is a great way for your baby to get their energy out and work on hand eye coordination.
NO.6
Baby Bjorn Bouncer $199
Play Bar add on $44.99
Hands down this is our most used item of all. It is the absolute perfect thing for every baby. It’s a safe space where your baby can nap, rest, and play while you do whatever you need to! I use this in the kitchen while making meals, unloading the dishwasher, and Ford even uses it in bathroom when I take a shower. I also love how portable it is. It folds so thin it can go anywhere. We added the play bar when he was three months old. This was a great way to keep him occupied and have something to play with and explore. I love that this can be used in three different reclining positions and can be used up to the age of two.
NO.7
The Ollie Swaddle $59
This swaddle is a game changer! If you buy any swaddle buy this one! The material is soft and stretchy so it allows you to get a very snug fit when needed. I love that it has three points of velcro, which allows for the right pressure to be at the right spot on the babies body. It keeps them more comfortable and allows movement where developmentally needed. The inside is a soft semi fleece material so it’s great for baby to sleep with a light cotton onesie or even just in a diaper.
NO.8
Boon Grass Drying Set $24.99
This is the perfect new mom item because not only do pumps have a lot of little parts, but so do bottles. This grass patch is the perfect way to keep all things baby in one place for drying. We use it for all pump parts, pacifiers, bottle parts, and now bowls and spoons since Ford is trying purées! It’s the perfect size and is under $30!
NO.9
Lovevery Play Gym $140
This is another win for growing with your baby. It starts out as a play mat which is great for back play or tummy time. It comes with a set of cards that are perfect for visual learning. There are black and white images, a set of body part images, and two mirrored cards. There are also different areas of the play mat that have stages of exploration. Learn to focus, exploring colors, how things feel, making sounds, hiding and finding. This also comes with a book that gives examples of how you can play with your child based on their age. I loved this because as a new mom I didn’t know what Ford would like to do, or what we should be practicing. There is also a book that explains what milestones they will experience based on age. When your child is old enough to sit up on their own he or she can play with the attached toys by sitting at each space. One last thing I love is the cover it comes with to create a little tent! We haven’t tried ours yet, but plan to use this as a fun space to snuggle up with a book when Ford masters sitting up!
NO.10
Diaper cream spatula set $14.99
I know it sounds weird but I am telling you this is so convenient! You will never have diaper cream on your hands again! Trust me this is a must have because it makes diapering so easy! The cream stays on the spatula, you wipe it on baby’s bum, suction it to the table, close up diaper, and your are good to go! I love that it allows you to have two free, clean hands and can be rinsed off or wiped with a diaper wipe for easy clean up! The smaller one is ideal for your diaper bag and has a travel case for storage!
Being a first time mom is tough. There is something new to learn every day. A happy baby that’s thriving is the end goal, but these 10 items may make it all a little easier.
Visit Acelleron Medical Groups blog post feature by me, here! Also check out their other blogs which are great for new moms!
