How we survived the first month

When I first introduced you to Nora, I reflected about the big things we've learned since she entered the world.  Now it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty and share things that we couldn't have done without during this first month.

1. Love To Dream SwaddleUp

I've always been a swaddle believer.  With Charlotte, aden + anais muslin blankets and Halo swaddle sacks worked best.  Nora, however, insists on having her hands up when she sleeps, so this SwaddleUp sack has been a LIFESAVER!

2. Solly Baby Wrap + Sakura Bloom Ring Sling

Babywearing for the win!  Wearing Nora has served both to give me hands-free time and to soothe her.  I love both of these carriers, but mostly use the Solly Baby at home and Sakura Bloom when we're out.

3. L'oved Baby onesies

These onesies are made of such a great quality cotton, are pretty colors, and come with the option to "mitten" your babies hands - perfect for protecting newborn faces from their flying fingernails.  I've noticed they also do giveaways on Facebook every Tuesday, so check that out!

4. Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine

Nora has gotten used to napping with ambient noise during the daytime, so total silence at night was really too jarring for her.  So to create the perfect night sleeping space, we've loved the white noise option on the Graco sound machine - and it's nice that it also offers a soft nightlight, built-in music, and the ability to connect your phone or mp3 player.

5. Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play

This creates such a soothing space for a new baby: it's soft and cozy, slightly inclined, and has the option for vibration or rocking.  It's often has been the only place Nora would nap outside of our arms.  The downside?  We're concerned that the Rock 'n Play could create poor sleep habits because there's no way a crib can compete with all those features.  That being said, for now, we decided the risk is worth it to give Nora good sleep - and to give us a little peace!

6. 4moms Breeze Playard

We use the bassinet portion of the breeze in our family room to have a downstairs changing spot and to give Nora a safe place to kick around during her awake time.  We love the modern design - and when we need to move it, SO EASY because of the "one step" open + close!

7. GAS RELIEF DROPS

Our pediatrician shared that Gas Relief Drops are hit and miss with babies.  Thankfully, after a couple weeks of lots of gassy fussiness, we found that these were a total hit for Nora.  Also something to check out?  Windi, by the makers of NoseFrida!

8. Breastfeeding accessories

I wrote yesterday that breastfeeding is hard, but AWESOME.  If you plan on trying to nurse, I'd recommend on stocking up on nursing pads, lanolin, soothing gel pads, and nipple shields.  They'll help!

9. Amazon Prime

When baby is first born, it's nice to be able to hunker down and stay home.  With free (quick!) shipping and returns, I channeled my usual propensity for #TargetRuns to online shopping instead.  I'm not sure that this is necessarily a great thing (haha!), but if you're going to do it, Amazon Prime is the way to go!

10. Sprout Baby App

When Charlotte was born, we diligently recorded all her activities in a handy Eat, Sleep, Poop journal.  It was important to keep records so we knew what has happening with baby and could relay it when necessary to our pediatrician.  And now I'm thrilled to find a similar tool in the form of an app.  You can even link multiple devices to the same account so that Mom, Dad, and Grandparents or other caregivers can all have access when they're in charge of the little one.

5 things you should know about being a new parent

We are so pleased to introduce you to the newest member of our Birdie Hill family: sweet Nora Ann!

Nora arrived unexpectedly three weeks before her due date, and we've taken the past month to stay in, snuggle, and get to know one another.  Best four weeks ever?  Quite possibly! :)

I may be a second-time mom and baby-industry vet, but there have still been plenty of things that make this feel like the first time all over again.  If I could narrow it all down to the most important five things I learned this time around, this would be my list:

1) Trust your doctor, not Google!

Google may have you thinking you know all the answers, but your doctor is still the one with an MD!  As you approach your due date, if you are uncertain of anything, don't hesitate to reach out to your physician... better safe than sorry.  And I promise, on-call doctors expect calls after-hours.  You're not bugging them!

The same holds true once baby is here.  Nora's three weeks old and we've already had a handful of calls with our after-hours pediatrician.  You're not bothering them with your questions, and if you are, you need to find a new practice!  Your pediatrician group should be easy to reach and offer round-the-clock support.

2) The most important thing you can purchase is an Amazon Prime membership!

Don't overbuy any baby or nursing necessities prior to baby's arrival.  It's much more cost effective to have small quantities on hand, discover what works for you, and then purchase more (or different.)  With free two-day shipping and $3.99 one-day shipping, Amazon Prime almost always got us what we needed without us even having to leave the house.

Examples?  I bought two different bottles to try before Nora was born.  Once she was here and we found which one was more effective, we bought a couple more of the one we liked.  Or, diapers is another great one.  Until your baby is here, you won't have a good sense of how long you'll need newborn sizes.  Stock yourself with one jumbo box of newborn and one jumbo box of size 1, then order more when you know your baby's actual weight and size!

3) Be prepared to try out lots of different sleeping arrangements

"Be flexible with your plans" is advice that can be applied to basically every facet of child-rearing, but we've found it especially applicable to sleep.  We planned for Nora to sleep in her bassinet in her room from birth in order to give us a more restful night's sleep in our own room and pave the way for an easier transition to crib in a few months.  In reality though, this absolutely didn't work for us: having the baby in another room made for restless sleep as we were hyper-glued to the monitor and had to fully wake to do any effective soothing - and Nora just plain didn't like it either.

The next step was moving the bassinet to our room.  That helped us, but didn't solve Nora's sleep problem.  From there, we purchased (and sometimes returned) the following pieces of equipment: Fisher Price Rock 'n Play, Fisher Price Rock 'n Play with AutoRocker, Halo Bassinest, and DockATot sleeper.   

A couple lessons from this: first (and again), Amazon Prime is your best friend.  Free shipping, free returns.  Don't buy all this ahead of time because what worked for your best friend (or even your first child) may not work for this baby!  Trial and error, my friends, is the way it'll go... and Amazon will save you money along the way.  Second, be patient!  You'll find something that works for you and works for baby.  For us, it's a combination of the Rock 'n Play with AutoRocker and the DockATot.  (Reviews of everything we tried, however, will be coming!)

4) Breastfeeding is HARD, but awesome.

First: whether you formula feed or breastfeed an infant, I support you!  For personal reasons, I only nursed Charlotte for three weeks before switching to formula - with Nora, breastfeeding has been more successful, and I hope to continue for some time.  Either way, I feel I've done my very best to provide both girls with the love and care necessary for thriving.

That being said, I want to offer encouragement to those who choose to try breastfeeding.  It's HARD.  Your nipples will ache, your breasts may throb, and you'll be absolutely exhausted (and perhaps overwhelmed) with the often sole responsibility for around-the-clock feeding.

But since I didn't get past three weeks with Charlotte, what I didn't realize until just now is that it does get easier.  If you can get past the hump, your nipples will heal, your breasts will adjust to a proper supply, and, while you'll still feel exhausted, you'll come to love the bond experienced through nursing.  Plus, I can't even fully express just how gratifying it is to see your baby healthily eat, sleep, and poop knowing that it's YOUR BODY providing all the nutrition necessary for this.  #SuperMom

5) Nobody can tell you how to do this

As a parent, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to do everything “right”.  You’ll be inundated with advice on an infinite number of parenting topics from professionals, well-meaning friends, and the internet.  But here’s the thing: your baby is one of a kind.  The only thing anybody can tell you for sure is that every baby needs food, clean diapers, rest, and love - so give yourself a break, listen to your baby, and give them the things they really need.  You’ll figure out the rest together!

A cool collection of the sweetest love songs for families

Spend February grooving with your little ones to a new album compilation from many of our kids' music favorites  - including Laurie Berkner, Verve Pipe, and 'They Might Be Giant's' Danny Weinkauf.  

Some of our favorite tunes from the album include Little Bitta You, which Charlotte has requested I play about eight times in a row, ska-and-reggae-inspired L-O-V-E, and When Two Became One, whose lyrics make me melt.

“When one became two, well the two of us knew
That whatever will be’s gonna be
And what was to be was that two became three
It’s beginning to look like a family

I still remember that day in September
when I heard that three would be four
It gave me the spins when I heard it was twins
We were jumping for joy for a new girl and boy
And so what was to be was much bigger than three
It’s beginning to look like a family

If we burst at the seams we’ll put beds on the beams and the rafters
It’ll fit like a glove, little house full of love and laughter

Five became six in our house made of bricks
then seven came later than eight
It was a sign when the eight became nine
That our house made of bricks that was too small for six
Could handle no more, not the five plus the four
Then I remembered the spins when I heard of the twins
So what was to be was much bigger than three
It’s beginning to feel like a family

Then things really got wild with the first grandchild”

The best news?  This sugar-free Valentine treat is available on Spotify so you can start streaming right now!  

Feeling old school?, download a copy on iTunes or buy the cd here.

Home for the Holidays in Phoenix

You might think that with all the sunshine around Phoenix that its residents don't really get into the holiday spirit.  Not true!  There are holiday events all over town, and we've got a special person to share some of her favorite family-friendly ones with us.

Hi Everyone!  I'm Hillary, Mom to Tatum and Graham.

Any of these holiday events are fun for young children - or just the young at heart!  But if you experience them with kids, it will be truly magical.

The Polar Express
Every winter the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express comes to life on a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole”—where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. You’ll be smiling from ear to ear, as you watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.

The North Pole Experience
This is a Christmas adventure of that takes families on a trolley ride through the magic portal to Santa’s massive workshop in the middle of the forest. Children and parents are then guided off the trolley where they knock for the elves. Once families enter Santa’s toy factory headquarters though, that is where the real magic begins!

Christmas at the Princess
This event features a four-story musical Christmas tree in Princess Plaza, along with more than 2 million Lagoon Lights, the Princess Express Train, the Desert Ice Skating Rink, the Christmas Carousel and more. The 45-foot tree has 67,000 LED lights which “twinkle and dance” to 12 holiday songs! 

Zoo Lights
Each year, the Phoenix Zoo puts on a very special display of holiday lights and music.  Because the event takes place at night, don't expect to see too many live animals - but you will be enchanted by the lighted animal sculptures!

Las Noches De Las Luminarias
Evenings at the Desert Botanical Garden will become a wonderland as the luminous glow of approximately 8,000 individual luminarias and countless strings of twinkle lights that line its paths accentuate the already striking scenery, as well as the intricately exotic glasswork of Dale Chihuly. Various carolers and musicians will also perform throughout the garden on select dates.  How merry!

Home for the Holidays in Portland

Although it's hard to believe, the holiday season is about to begin!  All around the country, communities are kicking off their celebrations, and I am excited to announce the launch of holiday city mini-guides to help your family find fun and festive activities.

I'm excited to turn this post over to our local Portland expert, Erin.  Enjoy!

Hi everyone!  I'm Erin, Mom to Elliott (3) and Walt (1).

Portland is such a gem. Nestled along the Willamette River, adjacent to the Columbia River Gorge, the Willamette Valley, and a stone’s throw away from the pristine wilderness of Mt. Hood and the scenic expanses of the Oregon Coast, it is a nature-lover’s dream. Admittedly, I have not always been at “one” with nature, but upon relocating to the Rose City I have come to embrace all sorts of outdoor pursuits I never before imagined. We are able to get out and hike year round - my favorite time of year to hike around the city is January and February - and you can be on the slopes and the beach in the same day (although with kiddos you might spread it out a bit more). 

There are so many things to do in Portland around the holidays, but I thought I’d share what we plan to do this year. Last year we didn’t get to enjoy as much as we hoped since our youngest was born in mid-November. We are excited to do a bit more this year!

Cutting Down a Christmas Tree

This may sound like a very un-green way to start the holiday season, but the Christmas tree industry in Oregon is alive and well. Christmas tree farms are highly sustainable, and due to our extended rainy season often only take 5-7 years to grow saplings to full Christmas tree height. There are any number of wonderful farms: Baggenstos and Sleighbells always rank high on lists of popularity. But we love to go to Helvetia Tree Farm  Once we’ve located the perfect Noble Fir we head back to get warm by the fire pit and roast marshmallows (free, but you can purchase a s’mores kit for not much more) and cocoa while our tree is prepared for the drive home. Inside is a sweet gift shop and an electric train room, the highlight of the visit for our three year old! And there are always animals to visit with as well - last year there were cows and pigs that made us all giggle. And of course, Santa makes an appearance and there is even a snow machine to mimic the real thing!

The Nutcracker and Christmas Tea at the Heathman

Admittedly, I don’t know how this is going to go with my three-year-old. But as he’s gotten older we’ve tried some children’s theater and some community theater productions and he’s done pretty well and enjoys the sets and music as well as the general spectacle of performance art. The Oregon Ballet Theater asks that patrons keep younger children at home, but what could be more classic holiday season fare than a viewing of The Nutcracker? Afterward we plan to go to The Heathman for Christmas Tea  It is a true high tea service, but they offer a Peter Rabbit tea for little ones that includes hot cocoa, ants on a log, and snickerdoodles. I’m really excited for this outing - cross your fingers for me!

Taking in the Lights

Viewing Christmas lights is as big a part of Christmas as carols and cookies in our house. Last Christmas I spent many evenings driving my (then) two year old and 3 week old around looking at lights and crossing my fingers that one of them would fall asleep. This Christmas I plan to get them a little closer to the action! One of my favorite traditions is going to Zoolights  It seems that many zoos across the country have adopted this idea of stringing hundreds of thousands of tiny twinkle lights around exhibits and inviting patrons for an evening of oohs and ahhs. In the past we’ve found the crowds a bit more manageable earlier in the evening on weeknights and after New Years’ Day. The Oregon Zoo puts on a great show and we’re excited to bring the boys again this year. We are also excited to visit Peacock Lane to see the houses decorated to the nines. This street sits just south of Laurelhurst and is a small stretch of road lined with historic tudor style homes that have been carefully iced and trimmed with lights year after year. We have never made it and are so excited to see them this year!

Holiday Train Ride

What could be more Christmassy than a train ride to the North Pole? But who has the time? We plan to take the boys on a fun, festive train ride this year and have decided on the Holiday Express  which leaves from the Oaks Park Station in SE Portland and travels through Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The beautiful, classic trains are decorated for the holidays and if you catch one of the trains at dusk you’ll get to see the trains decorated with Christmas lights. And of course, the jolly old elf himself makes an appearance aboard the train! If you’re in the mood for something a bit more immersive, the drive to Hood River to ride the Polar Express is well worth it. The train leaves from Hood River and travels up the mountain into the snow to the “North Pole” where Santa boards the train and visits with every family. I have heard that the pricier seats in the sky dome car are well worth the extra expense. 

New Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum

My kids can’t stay up until midnight. They are a mess by 9:00 and past that it’s every man for himself. So I love that the Children’s Museum celebrates New Year’s Eve all day long on December 31st! Starting at noon there is a countdown to “midnight” every 30 minutes or so, and the kids get to celebrate over and over with hand made noisemakers from the craft studio and music. It’s a great event but very popular, so plan to arrive early if you want to avoid lines!

Baby Girl Nursery Inspiration

We're well into the second trimester and, with the holidays just around the corner, are really feeling the need to get our little one's nursery put together soon!

I've had such fun browsing favorite sites for ideas, like Land of Nod, Lay Baby Lay, Project Nursery, and (of course, that endless rabbit hole...) Pinterest.

We'll plan on sharing a nursery reveal closer to the end of the year, but for now I wanted to post some of our inspiration pieces.  What do you think??

Sources:  (1) Sleepy Stars Art, (2) Dwell Studio Posey Crib Skirt, (3) Arrow Heart Wall Art, (4) Bright Lab Light Strand, (5) blabla Knit Mobile, (6) Larkin Dresser, (7) Sisters Pennant, (8) Next Chapter Bookcase, (9) Cascade Lamp, (10) blabla Knit Dolls, (11) Ballerina Pig Art

5 Favorites Under $25

One of my favorite things to gift a new parent with is an assortment of my "must have" baby products.  These are things that won't break the bank and that we couldn't do without!

clockwise from the top:

1) FridaBaby Nasal Aspirator: Neither the hospital bulb nor the battery-powered aspirators do the trick.  We swear by this instead.  The idea behind NoseFrida is that it sucks the snot out of the nose of an infant or toddler who can't yet blow their nose - and, unlike the little blue bulbs, cleaning is a cinch.  While it may seem gross at first, you'll thank us when you have a stuffy baby who finally gets a little relief!

2) Zo-Li Gummy Stick Teethers: This is a product where each detail was clearly considered!  The longer stick shape means it's easier for little ones to reach those pesky back teeth when molars start coming through.  The multi-textured gummy surface really massages those sore gums!  And, the anti-choke shield makes the stick easy for baby to hold and gives parents peace of mind.  Tip: try popping these in the fridge to give baby an extra cool treat!  It's the modern day equivalent of our old gel rings.

3) Nuby Bug-A-Loop Teether: This is another great teething option for little hands!  Charlotte was enchanted by the little bugs and bright colors, and multiple surface textures offered variety for her sore gums.

4) Itzy Ritzy Wet Bags: We use these ALL the time.  They come in a variety of sizes, are machine-washable, and come with BPA and PVA free waterproof lining.  Perfect for carrying snacks, transporting wet or messy clothes, keeping valuables away from other diaper bag contents, and more.  So much better than using disposable plastic bags!

5) BioGaia Protectis Drops: Charlotte suffered from colic and reflux, and BioGaia (recommended by our pediatrician) was our answer.  It felt like a miracle once we started using them!  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that contain live cultures similar to those found in some yogurts.  We'll be using these from the start with Baby Girl #2 just to be safe!  Tip: these can be purchased without a prescription but should be kept refrigerated.  We found it best to order directly from a pharmacy and make sure they knew to keep cool until we picked it up!

Now's the time to be thinking about Christmas PJs

I have a confession to make: I have a slight pajama problem.  I love pajamas for every season and every holiday, but I really love Christmas PJs!  I mean, is there anything cuter than tiny toes in festive jammies?? (The answer is clearly "no!")

It may seem early to be sharing links of red and green, but holiday wear has a bad habit of selling out quickly and early.  So do yourself a favor: check out some of our favorites, place your orders now, and stash them away until you're ready to break out the cheer.

Tip: We have a family tradition of celebrating St. Nick's Day on December 6th.  We wake up to see if the jolly soul has filled our stockings with goodies - or coal!  PJs make the best gifts on this day because we can then wear them the rest of the month!  Consider adopting this tradition in your home.

Jammies for your Snowbabies

Don't try choosing just one favorite!  There are 12 Days of Christmas, after all.  Shouldn't each day have its own special look? ;)  Find source links here.

PJs that will have them Jingling All the Way!

We love all these selections in traditional Christmas reds + greens.  How cute would your toddler be as a bedtime toy soldier or Little Miss Claus?  Find source links here.

Sleepwear for a (not-so?) Silent Night :)

Charlie Brown or Santasaurus?  Oooook, you really should get both!  ;)  Source links here.

P.S.  No affiliate links or ads included in this post.  I just honest-to-goodness love Christmas PJs!  #HolidayNerd

Halloween Songs for your Little Ones

 When Charlotte was just a couple months old*, her preschool-teaching Nannie shared a sweet songbook to help liven up our lullaby repertoire.  Five years later and Charlotte's now singing the songs to us!  So, whether you're looking to add music to tummy time or teach your toddler some Halloween tunes, these are perfect for you!

Halloween is Coming Soon
(to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle)

Halloween is coming soon.
See the witches on their brooms.
Bats are flying in the sky.
Old owls hoot in trees nearby.
Halloween is coming soon.
Boo!  Watch out, or I'll scare you!

The Pumpkin on the Vine
(to the tune of Farmer in the Dell)

The pumpkin on the vine,
The pumpkin on the vine,
I picked the one that weighed a ton,
and that's the one that's mine.

Pumpkin Song
(to the tune of Have you seen Lassie?)

Have you ever seen a pumpkin, a pumpkin, a pumpkin?
Have you ever seen a pumpkin that grows on a vine?
A round one, a tall one, a fat one, a small one.
Have you ever seen a pumpkin that grows on a vine?

The Spider Spins the Web
(to the tune of Farmer in the Dell)

The spider spins the web.
The spider spins the web.
Round, round, up and down,
The spider spins the web.

The Skeleton Song
(to the tune of Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around)

Skeleton, skeleton turn around.
Skeleton, skeleton touch the ground.
Skeleton, skeleton, reach up high.
Skeleton, skeleton, wink one eye.
Skeleton, skeleton, tap your knees.
Skeleton, skeleton, fall down please!

Have a Happy Halloween
(to the tune of Clementine)

Have a happy,
Have a happy
Have a happy Halloween.

Trick or treat some,
Then you eat some.
Have a happy Halloween!

Three Little Witches
(to the tune of Ten Little Indians)

One little, two little, three little witches,
Flying over haystacks, flying over ditches.
Slide down the moon without any switches.
Hi, ho Halloween's here!

Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The first one said, "Oh my, it's getting late!"
The second one said, "There are witches in the air!"
The third one said, "We don't care!"
The fourth one said, "Let's run and run and run!"
The fifth one said, "I'm ready for some fun!"
Oooooo went the wind and out went the light (clap hands once)
and five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Many thanks to Miss Linda and the fabulous Bellwood Preschool for putting these songs together!
Printable version here.

*Wasn't she the cutest baby pumpkin you've ever seen?? :)

Baby, get your boooo on!

I'm the ultimate Halloween fan.  I don't think there's been a single year where I didn't dress up in some capacity.  Too old for trick or treating?  Ha!  I never bought into that :)

But Halloween was never more fun than when we had a tiny little one to dress up for the holidays.  Baby costumes are the best!  Here are some of our favorites.  Happy spooking!

Costumes for Families

Costumes for Babies

Costumes for Toddlers

For more ideas along with source links, visit our Halloween Costume Pinterest Board

What does "ready" look like?

One of the most common questions expectant parents (particularly those in their third trimester) get asked is, "Are you ready yet?"

When it's your first baby, I think it's totally normal to feel like, "How in the world do I know if I'm ready?  What do I need to be ready??"

Well, I want to let you in on a secret: you don't actually have to buy a ton of stuff to be "ready" for your babe's arrival.  Why?  Because when babies first come home, their needs are pretty simple: food, sleep, and love (lots and lots of love!)  And then as they grow, you'll be better equipped to know what else is necessary, what would be nice to have, and what might have been a registry guide suggestion for suckers ;)

So whether you're motivated by making sure your basics are covered, by saving a little money, or by not wanting baby gear to completely take over your home, we've put together a list of essentials that can help you answer "yes!" the next time someone asks if you're ready.

And just in case you're not convinced, let me share this story: dear friends of ours got in touch with us on New Year's Eve two years ago.  They had just received a call - out of the blue - that they had been chosen by a birth mother to adopt her newborn baby girl.  At the time of the call, the only preparation our friends had was love - but like I said, that's only one of the four things a baby needs!   Three hours and a couple hundred dollars later, Brian and I had helped them get everything they'd need (at least for the first couple weeks) - and more importantly, had given them a bit more peace of mind as they left to meet their daughter.

In later blog posts, we'll share a more extensive baby registry guide (think 100+ items rather than the 40 found below) along with providing reviews for some of our favorite recommendations.   

But for now, here's your "Ready List."   Happy Shopping!!  :)

GEAR

Infant Car Seat
    Don’t forget additional bases if your little one will be riding in multiple cars.

Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame
    Babies shouldn’t ride in a regular stroller seat until they are six months or able to sit up on their own.  Since they’ll probably stay in their car seats during that time while you’re out and about, skip the bulky strollers in the beginning and instead opt for a lightweight chassis for their seat.

Bassinet or Playard (best known as a Pack ‘n Play)
    Some people opt to use a full-size crib from the start, but it can be nice to have your tiny newborn be in a smaller space - and optimally, one that’s a bit portable so that you can take baby from room to room when necessary.

2 - 3 Bassinet sheets

Structured Baby Carrier or Wrap Carrier
    Babywearing isn’t for everyone, but it can be an awesome way to stay close to your infant while getting some “hands free” time.

Diaper Bag & Diaper Bag Accessories
    Make sure you load up with plenty of travel size wipes, a changing pad, sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer!

BREASTFEEDING (if applicable)

Breast Pump
    Check with your insurance company as the Affordable Care Act requires most insurance companies to cover this cost.

Breast Milk Storage Bags

50 – 100 Disposable Breast Pads
    I hate to tell you this, but you’re going to leak.  And probably at a really inopportune time.  Good thing these disposable pads can save you!!

Nipple Cream

2 – 4 Nursing Bras

Boppy Nursing Pillow with 1 - 2 Extra Covers

FEEDING

4 – 6 (4 and 8 oz) Bottles
    Different babies have different bottle preferences, but two things we looked for were a nipple that was close to the real thing and a flow system that prevented too much air intake (which helps reduce gassiness for your little one!)

1 – 2 Bottle Cleaning Brushes

Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bags
    These are amazing for sterilizing not only bottles and bottle parts, but also pacifiers, breastfeeding accessories, and some toys.

4 - 6 burp cloths

DIAPERS & ACCESSORIES

100 – 150 Newborn Diapers
    Babies eat, sleep, and poop - and you can assume that your newborn will go through 10-12 diapers per day!  On average, babies will wear the newborn size for 3-5 weeks (up to 10lbs).  

4 – 6 boxes of Baby Wipes
    Tip: We found that store brand wipes work just as well as brand-names!  But, the same can’t be said for store-brand diapers… particularly in the newborn stage.

Diaper Rash Cream
    Charlotte’s Nannie swore by using diaper cream as a barrier with every diaper change.  Because of that advice, her bum always was as smooth as a…. well, you know where I’m going with that :)

Diaper Disposal Can
    This is a “must have” - not a “nice to have.”  Trust me!

2 - 3 Diaper Can Refills

SLEEPING

Baby Monitor

Sound Machine
    Great for blocking out household noises and providing a calm environment for sleep.  Charlotte used the white noise function well past her 2nd birthday.

2 - 4 Swaddle Sacks
    After spending nine months in utero, many babies are most soothed when they’re tightly swaddled.  Make it easy on yourself with a “dummy proof” easy swaddling wearable blankets.

2 - 4 Muslin Swaddle Blankets
    Not only can you do traditional swaddling with these oh-so-soft blankets, they’re also great as stroller and car seat covers when you’re out and about.

LAYETTE

6 – 8 long sleeve and short sleeve onesies (NB, 0-3, 3-6 mos)

3 – 5 pull on pants and shirts

6 – 8 one piece sleepers

4 – 6 pairs of socks

2 – 3 hats

BATHING

Baby Bath Tub
    When baby can sit up on her own, your options open up (we especially loved kitchen sink soaks!)  But during the newborn stage, make sure you get a tub that supports baby’s sensitive neck.  

2 - 3 towels
    Hooded towels are especially adorable (and comfortable) for babies.  

4-6 washcloths

Baby shampoo and/or body wash
    Make sure you use one that’s specifically noted as being fragrance free!  

HEALTH & OTHER ESSENTIALS

Nasal Aspirator

Thermometers
    We found it essential to have both a rectal thermometer and a reliable ear thermometer.  

Nail Trimmers
    Cutting such tiny nails can be terrifying!  The safest thing to use in the beginning are plain old emery boards - or, you can upgrade to an electric nail trimmer, which gently files the nails electronically without hurting baby’s sensitive skin.

Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent

2 - 4 Pacifiers