Newborn Life

Newborn Must-Haves

August 20, 2019 by firstcomesfamily Leave a Comment

We spend 9 months buying everything we’re told we need for our brand new baby. We buy everything our parents and friends tell us to but we still forget some things unknowingly. So the day comes when you take your beautiful bundle of joy home! Then at 2 am after being home for 2 weeks, baby gets a diaper rash and you realize that you never picked up rash cream. A tragedy, trust me. Following our must-haves would’ve helped your delirious and tired self be a bit more prepared.

I’m sharing our 7 Newborn Must-Haves! I seriously couldn’t live without any of these products.

Newborn Must-Haves! Sound machine, thermometer, swaddle, owlet smart sock, single me lounger.

Aquaphor– This stuff is the bees knees for diaper rashes. We had initially bought a natural brand that just didn’t get rid of the rash. I tried Aquaphor and BAM! the rash was gone within hours.

Portable Sound Machine– I would clip this little thing onto the carseat and she’d immediately fall asleep. It was pure magic! The Rohm Sound Machine actually charges with a USB making it super perfect for on-the-go.

SnuggleMe Lounger– After holding Vivian for hours, my arms would get so tired. I’d just place this on the couch or bed with me then lay her in it. She would sleep a few hours! (thank goodness) It helps babies feel like their in your arms. We still use this!

Thermometer– When you’re in the hospital, they check the babies temperature every hour. When we got home, I was constantly worried that Vivi had a fever. I would pop the thermometer out at any time! Also, make sure to get an oral/rectal thermometer as best readings are rectal.

Swaddle– We seriously swear by the Copper Pearl Swaddles. They feel like you favorite comfy t-shirt and are so stretchy. It helps get a nice swaddle on baby while also letting them have room to move around.

Owlet Smart Sock– This thing is a life saver! Place it right on baby’s foot and it tracks their heart rate and oxygen levels. If either drops below recommended levels, a red alarm goes off at the base. We had one scare with it and caught it right away. With the high risk of SIDS in infants, I recommend it to any parent. It is worth every single penny!

Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water– Most babies get what they call “baby acne”, so normal. Put some of this on a cotton pad and gently rub over the acne. It cleared up Vivi’s baby acne overnight! You can also use this to wipe baby down in between baths in those early days.

What are your must-haves for newborns?! I’d love to hear and share with other mamas!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Breastfeeding Must Haves For New Moms

August 2, 2019 by firstcomesfamily 2 Comments

Whether this is your first time or fifth time nursing, there are things you MUST have! Todays breastfeeding must haves are constantly evolving with our ever changing world. Something you may have used with last baby may have been updated by now. There are so many nifty things to make your breastfeeding journey easier, thank goodness (as if the physical and emotional toll wasn’t enough).

As for me, I am a first time nursing mama! No one in my family had ever breastfed, so I really only had a few friends to ask for advice. I can’t tell you how many times I looked on Pinterest at other mama’s nursing lists! So I decided to gather my necessary items I’ve been using this far.

Medela Milk Storage Bags– These are the best ones! They hold up to 6 ounces of milk. No ripping or tearing when freezing. The measurements of ounces is accurate! Totally worth a few extra dollars.

Earth Mama Nipple Butter– It’s made with all organic herbs like olive oil, beeswax, and calendula. It goes on easy when your nipples are cracked and dry (because it will happen). It’s also safe for baby so you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding. Oh and you can use this anywhere like lips, hands, feet! I even used on some dry skin Vivi had as a newborn.

Nursing Bra– I love the soft ones because you need to sleep in these! If you don’t sleep in a bra and breast pads, then you will wake up in a pool of milk. Not fun! These are extra soft and such a good price. Size up, they’re not supposed to be tight.

Breast Pads- I love the Lansinoh Stay Dry Breast Pads because they literally soak up a nights worth of milk without leaving me feeling like I have wet boobs. I keep these all of my house and even in my car! Nothing worse than leaking through a shirt in public!

Haakaa– Instead of letting all of your letdown milk drip into a breast pad while feeding on the other boob, this thing catches it! It’s a miracle. Depending on how much letdown you produce, you may not ever have to use a pump. I collect 6 ounces a day just from putting it on when I feed!

Water Bottle– You are going to be SO thirsty from nursing. Having a big water bottle by your side at all times will make it so much easier to get your water in. I recommend drinking at least 16 ounces per feeding!

Hope this makes your breastfeeding journey a bit easier 🙂

What to Pack when Traveling with a Baby

July 9, 2019 by firstcomesfamily Leave a Comment

Growing up, we didn’t do much traveling. Truthfully, I didn’t really start to travel until I was 16. Something Lee and I keep telling ourselves is that we want to show our children the world, regardless of their age. So with that, you have to make sure you have everything they need when traveling. As adults, you can get by with filling up a backpack with a toothbrush and change of clothes. With children, you have to make sure you have multiple outfits (in case one gets dirty), items incase they get sick, etc. The list goes on and on.

Since we went on our first vacation with our 2 month old recently, I wanted to share our packing list with you. We kept it pretty minimal (in my opinion, but definitely not in my husband’s LOL). Always assess where you will be visiting as different items will be needed for your little one.

Outfit for everyday
Onesie for everyday – as an extra, you never know when a blowout will happen!
Sleepers/Pajamas for every night
Sunhat – Especially if a beach vacation!
Sunscreen – Necessary if spending a lot of time outdoors
Diaper Cream – Would be worse if you didn’t!
Diapers – OBVIOUSLY, we purchased them when we got to our destination to save room in luggage! But if not, pack enough for 10 a day, it’s okay to have extra!
Wipes – 1 pack per week is a good rule of thumb.
Baby Body Wash
Thermometer – Fevers can happen anytime, especially if flying.. germs will be leaking everywhere!
Tylenol – Again, fevers can happen any time.
Nail Clippers – I always keep these in the diaper bag, sometimes it seems like their nails grow overnight.
Swaddle – We swear by swaddling at bed time!
2 Blankets – For tummy time, hanging out on, etc.
Dockatot/SnuggleMe– We use the SnuggleMe and just put it right in the bed with us! Then we didn’t have to carry around a pack n play.
Pack N’ Play – If you don’t prefer co-sleepers. These can also be used for play time when on the beach or patio.
Pacifiers – Our LO doesn’t use these, but if yours does… pack extra!
Bottles – If bottle-fed, this is a no brainer, but pack extra!
Haakaa – For breastfeeding mamas, still need to collect that letdown milk!
Breastmilk Storage Bags – For my BF mamas.
Toys– Since they’re still little, rattle and a ball should keep them entertained.
Hand Sanitizer – Because there are germs EVERYWHERE!

You can find my travel faves on Amazon here:

What else do you pack for your little one when traveling?