Whether you’re welcoming your first baby or adding another to the mix, this one’s for you.
Those early weeks with a newborn have a strange way of stretching time, long, hazy days filled with wonder, exhaustion, and the occasional identity crisis.
With my first baby, it was mostly exhaustion, worry, and a lot of late-night Googling about how to burp a baby or what to do about gas. The second time around, it was far more enjoyable, mostly because I had a better idea of what to expect, and fewer illusions about getting anything “right.” While it’s true that the tiniest babies don’t need much as far as toys, there’s something to be said for having a few thoughtful things that make life a little easier. And if well-meaning friends or relatives insist on buying something, you might as well point them toward things that are actually useful.
1. Soft Swaddle Blankets
A good set of swaddles can make all the difference in helping your baby feel snug and secure. Some kids love the feeling of being tightly tied, while others want to be free. We tried several different types. The actual swaddling sacks can be great if you aren’t as skilled like the postpartum nurses and can’t make a baby into a burrito. But if you can the big square ones will double as a light blanket for the stroller or lightweight towel to the beach for years to come. Look for breathable muslin or stretchy cotton fabrics that are easy to wrap and gentle on delicate skin. There are dozens on the market to choose from, we especially love these soft ones from a Hawaiian brand Cocomoon
2. White Noise Machine
Recreating the soothing sounds of the womb can help babies settle and sleep better. A portable white noise machine is especially helpful for on-the-go naps or travel. Also it would help with transition, when your baby falls asleep in the stroller and wakes up the moment you enter a quiet space. We enjoyed using one by the Swedish brand Frida which has a lot of other helpful items for new parents and small babies.
3. Baby Wrap or Carrier
A comfortable baby carrier lets you keep your newborn close while freeing up your hands, perfect for getting things done or simply enjoying some bonding time. For this age group a inward facing, soft carrier or a baby wrap is the best choice. Popular brands are Ergo baby, Tula and if you are willing to splurge then you may have seen the instagram favorite Artipoppe. It looks beautiful. For warmer climate we were happy with Tula which had a mesh panel to help our baby not stay comfortable.
4. Newborn Play Mat
While playtime is short at first, a soft mat to lay on and stretch could be a nice addition to the living room as a foundation of their independent play. You can choose a variety of mats to put on the floor with a little play gym for the first months when the child is mostly laying on their back.
The Lovevery Play gym is highly rated for a good reason. We have used it a lot in early infancy. The gym is pricey, but it holds well, resells well and will keep your child interested for a few months. There is a specific post about the gym to help you decide if its worth it for you. There are many other options that are also great such as this or this one.
5. Black-and-White Books or Flashcards
Newborns can only see in shades of black, white, and gray early on, so high-contrast books and cards are perfect for early visual stimulation. When my firstborn was a few weeks old I noticed him looking up at the palm leaves above him and being fascinated. I also noticed that he was fascinated by a round button on his stroller and bought him a book with black and white circles and that truly felt like a parenting win. Wee gallery creates a line of black and white items, that are beautiful and useful. We used their mat for car rides, so our kids would have something to look at instead of the back of the car seat and it helped. They have a lot of items like this or this from crinkly material, which will be interesting to little hands newly exploring the world and trying to get the hang of their motor skills.
