Aaron is 2 weeks old today.
Time really flies and The Little Sweetpea is keeping me BUSY. I also started physical therapy this week so I feel pretty tired and beat up but I am still OVER THE MOON about the little one.
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a newborn and I forgot how much STUFF you need to keep on hand to keep them happy and cooing.
I’ve assembled a Top Ten list of items that I love and couldn’t be without during these first weeks home. (I’m sure it will change as his needs do. I also left off obvious things like a baby swing, etc.)
1. Aden and Anais Australian Swaddling Blankets
I love, love, LOVE these blankets! I have been eyeing them for a very long time and was lucky to receive them as a gift from my friend, Michelle. They are a little pricey but it isn’t bad as you get 4 for $44. They also sell them in 2 packs.They are made from stretchy muslin are very light weight and HUGE so you can use them long after your baby stops enjoying swaddling. They are perfect for summer and it keeps your little one at a much better temperature. Luna Lullaby makes a similar blanket but at 3 for $40, Aden and Anais brand is a better value. It’s a PERFECT shower gift.
They create the perfect baby burrito.
2. My changing station
We don’t have a crib yet so I do not have a changing table. Until Aaron outgrows his bassenette we are using this set up and I really love it. I took a blanket, folded it and covered it with another fluffy blanket and put a changing pad on top and voila! A comfy changing area that works wonderfully well.
I received this diaper caddy from JJ Cole as a gift and it ROCKS. I can move it from his nursery to my room for bath time and everything I need is at my fingertips. The pockets and drawer are very handy.
I couldn’t live without a wipes warmer. It makes midnight changing time a lot more comfortable for the little man.
This is the first time I have ever used a Diaper Genie and IT IS AMAZING. I can use it with one hand and it contains smell beautifully.
Finally, one of the things I find most handy about this station is the ability to keep his laundry basket underneath the table.
And we can’t forget Johnson & Johnson’s baby lotion. To me, it is the epitome of “Baby smell”. (Which is rad)
3. Bathing implements
We found this adorable baby bath lounger at WalMart. It is perfect and by far the best bathing tool I’ve found. I don’t like using plastic bath tubs. We used to use a big bathing sponge but if they didn’t dry just right they would mildew and I had issues with the hygiene of it in general. This is covered with mesh so the water drains well and the fabric dries thoroughly. Plus, you can remove the cover and wash and dry it.
As a side note, I cover my babies with warm, wet washcloths to help them feel more secure in their baths. They LOVE it.
This cup (also purchased at WalMart) has a large volume and a soft rubber side that fits on the baby’s head so that you can have better control over water not getting in the wee ones eyes.
I also love this sponge they sent us home with from the hospital. The soft bristles help eliminate the formation of cradle cap.
4. Neosporin with pain control
Essential for a circumcised baby boy. Also, due to formula suck he got a diaper rash and I put it on a few of the really bad spots that were causing him discomfort and it worked like a charm.
5. Simethicone drops
We’ve had a difficult time finding the right formula for Aaron. It seems like it either upsets his stomach, causes diarrhea or constipation.
Simethicone drops have helped this process tremendously. The brand name is Milacon but it is much cheaper when you buy generic. It helps babies pass gas gently and effectively.
I did a lot of research before buying this diaper bag. I love it. It looks like a purse, which is great as I use it for that most of the time as well as a diaper bag. It has so many pockets it carries everything I need to tote around for him. My one complaint is that I wish it had longer straps but over all it is dream bag for organizational purposes.
Many of you are familiar with the Boppy. It’s a half circle pillow that fits around your waist to take a lot of body stress off of feeding a baby. It’s been most valuable for my kids when they help with a feeding to stay holding the baby correctly.
8. Soothie pacifiers and bottle system
I am also a huge fan of using Gerber cloth diapers as burp cloths. They are cost effective, sturdy, big and very easy to launder.
Soothies are the pacifiers hospitals use and I love them.
I know I have gone on and on about Kerflop’s Universal Pacifier clips, but once again-LOVE THEM and they will continue to be useful as they will hold and keep track of teething toys, rattles, etc.
We got the Soothie bottle system and I love them.
The wide mouths of the bottles and the vent holes are fabulous. They can leak if you don’t hold them right but it stopped being an issue when I figured that out. I love that the nipple is the same as his pacifier so that there is no nipple confusion. Also, they have a snap on container that fits on the bottom of the bottle that can hold formula or snacks. It’s groovy.
Great name for a diaper cream, huh? Since Aaron has had issues digesting formula, we have relied heavily on creams to help prevent diaper rash. I found that Butt Paste is much better at wiping off and protecting and prefer it to Desitin.
10. EHEM…
This is not exactly baby related but it is sooooo baby caused. These are the supplements and medications that I take every day.
It makes the following ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
Let’s just say that the above quote from Scrubs? Applies to EVERYONE. Not just babies. Do I really need to say more to that?
Didn’t think so.
Hee.
Stumble it!
Filed under: 
Am I really the first, huh, huh? How exciting. Those swaddling blankets look GREAT. Couldn’t find anything like that five years with my first so settled for making my own out of some very light cotton jersey knit I had idealistically intended to make baby clothes out of before realizing nausea would be taking my time the first trimester and that after that bargain hunting would be more fun that sewing. Anyhow, those must rock for a keeping a summer baby cozy but cool. Love Aaron’s bright eyes in the blanket pic and yawn in the hair rinse. And regarding #10, I will only say “I feel ya.”
He’s adorable. Absolutely perfect looking. Mine seems like a monster compared to Aaron. (he’s only 8mo, but sheesh.)
Love those soothie bottles. I was so thrilled when I saw them, because my girls both used soothie paci’s.
For the diaper issues, try lotrimin. I know it’s for athletes foot, but it works absolute wonders on tiny bottoms!
I’ve been wanting to try those blankets. I also love those baby brushes. Neither of the hospitals I delivered in gave me one so I had to find one myself (I remembered it from when my little sister was born). After much looking I finally found one at Ace Hardware of all places and they called it a mushroom brush – like it was a kitchen utensil. LOL. Those silly people. :D
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste is the only diaper cream we have ever used on the boys and I love it! I can’t believe he’s two weeks already. it seems like that was just a few days ago!! Glad to hear you’re feeling better!!
De-lurking a little… If the simethicone ever lets you down, I highly recommend “gripe water”! It worked [fast] wonders for my baby girl when even the simethicone drops didn’t!
Walgreen’s, among other places, carry it: http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100099&navAction=jump&navCount=1&skuid=sku4184936&id=prod4186066
That’s just one brand, there are many. I think I typically buy Wellness brand or something like that.
Anyway. Your new little guy is adorable, and I’m glad that you’re doing better!
Looks like it’s time to pull out your “Everyone Poops” book!
Those boys are making my ovaries hurt.
Just sayin’.
Aaron is such a CUTIE!!! Thanks for sharing. And if I EVER have kids I will totally be coming back to your site for reference. LOL
It’s a long time away though, so no worries.
Stool softener was my BFF… and I was still scared shitless (HA!) of my first post-partum BM. It was not good, but I’ll spare you the details. :)
Aaron is one cute baby burrito.
First, the picture of the brush…I don’t know if he’s yawning or crying, but OMG it’s so precious.
Triple Paste is the bomb for diaper rash. I still use it for my 10 and 6 year old whenever they have any sort of rash or what not. It works in a short time, and abosorbs into the skin, so you aren’t left with that nasty paste on the butt at the next diaper change. My little man always had runny poo, and his butt would be bright red and painful, a little of that and 10 min later he was better.
And keep sniffing. It goes so fast.
MIRALAX. Trust me on this one. You can even mix it in with Diet Coke [not that you'd drink that swill] and you can’t taste anything other than artificially sweetened goodness.
Also, I absolutely loved the nail brushes like what you were using on him in the bath. Those are used to scrub surgeon and scrub nurses hands prior to surgery and I made my uncle [doctor] get me a butt ton of those when we had Cara.
I can’t believe how freakin’ big that kid’s getting!
OH, and before I forget [cause if I'm gonna write a book, I might as well make it a good one] use baking soda in his bath. That will help a whole bunch with the diaper rash. We’ve had to do that with both kids and it cleared it up right fast and in a hurry. Just put enough baking soda in the water until you can taste it and let him soak for a little bit. Tiny warning:it will make him a little more slippery than normal. :)
well thank you for adding to my shopping list despite not having any room for more stuff..
I want that caddy!!!
Great list – we have some of the swaddle blankets and I can’t wait to try them out! I’m def keeping your list nearby for the future!
I love the photo of Aaron yawning while you scrub his head. What a relaxed baby!
You keep making my uterus explode with baby want! The yawning in the tub? Killer. Just want to snuggle him.
I just love the bath pictures and the one
where he is so sleepy. What fun, enjoy!
He is just too precious!! Look at those skinny little legs-they remind me of my little man’s when he was a wee one.
My Paddycake had colic really bad and the one thing that helped is a hot water bottle. Just use some hot tap water and we just wrapped it in a dishtowel and held it against his tummy and it would soothe him in no time. It’s so awful when they are in such pain with gas.
LOVE, love love the yawn pic!!! xoxoxoxo
I’m sorry, I’m still giggling at the BUTT PASTE.
I am 12.
EHEM, yes, everyone poops, but it is much nicer if it is easier. (but not too easy)
Great looking kid. And mom.
Wow. It’s been 8 years since I had a little one around, I forgot all this stuff! I hope I have to remember it again one day :)
I second the preciousness of the yawning/brush photo. Also, my boppy pillow has been a lifesaver through 2 of my 3 kids (I didn’t realize how great it was when I had my first).
Can I borrow Aaron? Such a yummy burrito! Wish I would have known about those swaddling blankets! Will pass those on for sure. Thanks for the sweet post. Smooches-for Aaron!
He is getting so big already! Someone got us the mesh baby bath hammock for our second baby and I never went back- it rocks! While they still fit, I bathed them in the kitchen sink with it (that way I could use the sprayer to rinse them)and not kill my back and knees- and I loved how it easily just fit under the sink when not in use and hardly took up any room! Those stretchy blankets seem pretty awesome too… you’re making me want another baby sister!
7th pic – Oh, sleepy baby!
Last pic – gross!
AWWWWWWWW!
What a sweetheart. Congratulations and nice list! I hope thing continue to get better with you and your family.
AWWWW also to the picture of your older son feeding the little one! So cute!
He’s such a doll! And I love your changing station. Very cute! I’m so thrilled for you guys!
he is soooo adorable. i totally love the baby burrito. could just munch him up, he’s so cute.
my mom totally recommends the mialacon drops, especially the generic. it works well even when they’re a little older too.
as the butt paste goes – some things are just better coming from the South.
as far as pacifiers, i recommend the mam brand pacies for when he gets a little older. the mam’s are comfortable and they can bite down and gnaw on them and it helps relieve tension and itching of the gums. it has little nubbins on the end that are supposedly to relive itching.
Mamalang is right on the money with the Triple Paste. This is to die for. It is expensive and you will find that the huge tub is the best way to go. It ROCKS! Lily has used it a few time on her tushy, but the poor little chubby infant she was seemed to have no neck. After a bath and nice and dry we put it on her neck to prevent the cheese making process. No one warned me about this and we found out the hard way!
I’ll have to check out the Triple Paste. I also am a fan of Mam’s pacifiers and will probably use them when he’s older.
And?
Hee hee hee. I grossed Craig out! I can now feel a deep sense of accomplishment. :D (Tell Mackenzie Hi for me, Craig!)
I totally have the JJ Cole diaper caddy (same one) and the bath thing. Love them both, although the bath thing isn’t working to well but thats because I have a freakishly strong squirmy baby. We started gas drops yesterday hopefully they will help, cause this baby is GASSY.
he is adorable! loving the bath time yawn! when my youngest was born we got the bath sling thing too. LOVE IT so much more than the bulky tub!!!
Congratulations again!!!
That picture of him yawning in the bath is adorable. So is the one of his big brother feeding him.
There is nothing like a newborn. Give him a little extra snuggle for me.
Congrats again.
SEE! I knew I had to ask about your bum!
And that baby burrito, nom nom.
AND HIM YAWNING IN THE TUB?
more plz.
I’ve been trying to decide whether I even want to bother getting a change table, and until now hadn’t even thought of using a regular little table the way you have. Thanks so much for sharing all of this, very valuable info for a first-time mom-to-be!
Great products! I just loved the baby blanket!