Products to Help Survive the First 3 Months of Parenting
Andrew turned three months old yesterday. Seriously, where does the time go? I feel like we just welcomed him into the world and now he’s one quarter of the way through his first year. They say that the first three months with a new baby are the hardest, and since this is my third baby I agree with them.
With my twins everything before three months seemed like it was a blur. I was so sleep deprived and managing my new life as a parent was a little overwhelming. This time has been a little easier because I know that the hard part will soon pass. I also know to cherish those newborn cuddles because those also don’t stick around forever.
Here are a few of my favorite products that helped me survive the first three months of parenting a new baby. Some of these products are brand new to us and some are staples that have been around since our twins.
Aden + Anais Muslin Blankets
I LOVE these blankets! I’m so disappointed I didn’t have them the first time around.They are so versatile. I’ve used them as a swaddle blanket, nursing cover, tummy time blanket, car seat cover, the list goes on. They are stretchy, lightweight, and can easily be thrown into a diaper bag. Make sure to get the large size (47×47) to help grow with the child. I also had the Aden + Anais Sleeping Bag for those warm summer nights. I equally love them!
Fisher-Price Calming Vibrations Elephant
Andrew isn’t really into taking a pacifier so I had to find other ways to help soothe him to sleep. I found this calming elephant that goes with his modern safari theme baby room and figured I had to give it a shot. It plays a calming humming music and vibrates at the same time. It really made a difference in getting him calm and ready for sleep.
Don’t wake a sleeping baby is the golden rule for new parents. I love having an infant car seat that attaches right into my Snap N’ Go Stroller. The stroller is lightweight, doesn’t take up much room in the trunk, and can be used on almost any surface. I remember being so sad when my twins outgrew their infant seats. Being able to use a Snap N’ Go is so convenient you’ll never want to give it up!
Rock n’ Play Sleeper
Andrew is a cuddler. He either needs to be nursed or rocked to sleep. I love that I can rock Andrew in the Rock n’ Play and he falls right to sleep (almost). It also has a vibration setting that runs on batteries.
Battery Charger
Speaking of batteries, you’re going to need a lot of them! And weird ones like “C”. When have you ever used a C battery? But now it seems as if everything calls for them. Do yourself a favor and invest in lots of batteries including the rechargeable kind. You’ll thank me later.
Swaddleme
I’m a big fan of swaddling. I swaddle Andrew for every nap and bedtime. At night he is going between six or seven hours between feeds. I think swaddling was key in getting my twins to sleep through the night and Andrew is beginning to follow in their footsteps. Using a Swaddleme makes the whole process of swaddling easier and safer than a loose blanket.
Pampers Swaddlers
We are a Pampers household. We’ve tried other brands, but nothing has compared to the quality of Pampers. We use them with Andrew in a size one and with our twins in a size four. They cost a little bit more than other brands but I’d rather pay for the diaper than have to wash sheets and clothes. The strip in the front that turns blue when the baby is wet is helpful for new parents.
Moby Wrap
Andrew is a much fussier baby than my twins. When he isn’t eating or sleeping, he’s fussing. One thing he loves is being held, but it’s hard to do with my two girls, so I’ve begun wearing him in the Moby Wrap. Initially the wrapping can seem a little bit intimidating, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy. I love that I have the baby close to me while having my hands free. I think Andrew loves that he is kept warm by my body heat and feels secure.
Boppy Pillow
The Boppy has been worth its weight in gold. It has been used for nursing, bottle feeding, sitting up baby, and tummy time. We’re still using the original one we had for the twins and it’s held up well. When it gets dirty, I just throw the whole thing in the wash (cover and all). This is on my baby must have list!
Bouncy Seat
Somehow babies always know when you’re about the sit down for dinner. They demand to be held, feed, or soothed immediately. We use our bouncy seat every night at dinner. We place Andrew in his seat and bounce him with our feet. He stays calm and we can finish our meal. It’s lightweight and portable. I take it with me all around the house and even outside.
Have some of the products on this list helped you during your first three months of parenting? What additional items would you add?
Talk about it