Its no surprise that the first blog post I write since having Stella is all about the newborn stage, and the 5 products that are helping me survive through it! If you follow me on instagram, you know that Taylor and I welcomed a baby GIRL (!) to our little family on August 16th. Baby Stella is the sweetest, and most expressive, gift we could ask for. We are so so grateful.
Along with endless gratitude, comes so many sleepless hours, diaper changes, milk-stained shirts, and tears (more so mine, than Stella’s). The newborn stage is beautiful, yet so challenging. I’m writing to share with you some products that are making this stage easier, and more enjoyable! Because it really is the most innocent and precious season. 5 weeks into this, and I’ve already found myself thinking ‘can you just stay this little forever?’
A few friends and followers have reached out during these past newborn weeks asking what products I’m loving, what I needed but didn’t have, and what I’d recommend as a go-to shower gift for a new mama.
I’m a new mama, and I’m learning this whole motherhood thing day by day. Lots of help from family and friends, lots of late-night google searches, and much help from products like these five.
In this post, I’ll share my Top 5 Picks for the Newborn Stage. I’ll talk about why they work for Stella, Taylor and I. You’ll find direct shopping links for each product – click on any of the links or photos!
2-WAY ZIPPER SLEEPER | BABYWEARING WRAP | NURSING PILLOW |
NIGHTLIGHT/SOUNDMACHINE | BURPCLOTHS
2-WAY ZIPPER SLEEPER | Stella just about lived in these zipper sleepers 24/7 for the first 2 weeks of her life. We love the convenience of the 2-way zipper so we can undress just her bottom half for diaper changes! These are great for day and night, especially early on; and they make great jammies for nighttime now at 5 weeks. I cried when Stella outgrew her Newborn size sleepers, but we own this cute floral ribbed sleeper from Carter’s in the next size up too! Stock up on 5-7 of these babes when planning your little one’s wardrobe. We definitely didn’t have enough!
BABYWEARING WRAP | We were gifted a Solly Baby Wrap as a shower gift, and it has easily been our most used carrier. The fabric is so soft, its a user-friendly wrap technique, and Stella is content in it napping for hours. Praise the Lord! When a bassinet nap ain’t gonna happen, Taylor has saved the day by wearing Stella in the Solly for hours, and she doesn’t make a peep. The Solly comes in so many adorable patterns, and is lightweight and portable! Always in my diaper bag when we leave the house.
NURSING PILLOW | My mom swears by the Boppy Nursing Pillow, and now I do too! Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding mamas need to have great body mechanics to go the distance feeding an always hungry newborn! The Boppy supports my torso and Stella’s body length, helping foster a better feed for both of us. Highly recommend the waterproof cover as well. This pillow follows me all around the house.
NIGHTLIGHT/SOUNDMACHINE | The smartest gadget! Controlled by the Hatch Sleep app from your phone, you can choose from a variety a sounds and colors. We love the ocean waves as Stella’s white noise for nighttime and naps. And I need the subtle, warm light for middle of the night feeds. Right now, this lives on my nightstand as Stella sleeps in our room. But I look forward to transitioning this piece into the nursery, and using its time-to-rise functions when Stella is older.
BURPCLOTHS | These muslin burp cloths are so soft and absorbent! A pack of 10 for around $20 from Amazon makes for a must-have affordable Shower Gift. These are constantly on our shoulder, and scattered throughout the house – ready to protect us from all burps and spit ups.
It truly is overwhelming shopping for a new baby while pregnant. I recall feeling like I was drowning in product reviews, brand decisions, safety remarks, and shopping lists. I’m pleasantly surprised by how little newborns actually need in those first few weeks, and its simple to me now! They eat, sleep, poop. On repeat. All day. All night. I know Stella’s necessities will grow in quantity as she gets older, but these five items (in addition to diapers and wipes, of course) really have been all that we need!
Hoping this post simplifies some of your newborn shopping, and gift shopping for Showers!
Mama’s – what were your go-to products during this newborn stage?
This blog post contains affiliate links via RewardStyle. By shopping these links, you are supporting New Cotton Blend at no additional cost to you . Please note that I only recommend products that I personally use; and I always have my readers’ best interest at heart.
