Becoming a parent is the most terrifying and amazing experience. The day we left the hospital with Penelope, we couldn’t believe we were in charge of and responsible for this chubby little baby! Lucky for us (and Amazon Prime shipping!), these items have made it easier for us. So I rounded up my list of the infant + toddler must-haves which have saved us from the beginning!
Breakdown: Infant + Toddler Must-Haves
- Baby Bag – this bag is unisex and friendly for whomever is watching baby that day. It has an insulating pouch for bottles, quick access front pouch for your cell phone, keys, etc and interior dividers. We’ve had it since day 1 and receive lots of compliments. It’s also adjustable and machine washable (air dry/tumble on low heat).
- Evenflo Pivot Stroller – there are tons of strollers on the market but I’ve done my research and am convinced this is one of the better options. Here’s why:
- Available in multiple colorways – we have the charcoal unisex and love it.
- The bundle is under $300! and includes the carseat and toddler seat which becomes a convertible bassinet. Both the carseat and toddler seat are reversible so your baby can face you or face out. The bassinet/toddler seat can fully recline to a flat lay.
- Everything is machine wash-able: the cover, seats, mesh bag on the bottom, all of it can be washed!
- High wheels: maneuvers easily over snow and in the rain. I’ve used mine at the beach, parks, long walks, etc. without a problem
- The Evenflo Pivot system is expandable so the expandable frame can accommodate another toddler/car seat for when you have 2 littles. We’re thinking of getting the extendable frame since we want another kid soon
- Did I mention the entire bundle is under $300? I know everyone is obsessed with UppaBaby but I cannot justify the $700+ price tag when this does everything.
- This stroller was not sponsored, I just really like it.
- ErgoBaby 360 Carrier – a very secure fit for the baby. I recommend trying it out in store before hand to make sure it’s what you’re looking for. It’s not as intimate as the slings (listed below) but I do recommend it if you’ll be traveling a lot, hiking, running errands or anything involving more passive carrying.
- Graco Pack’n’Play – extremely compact and functional playpen that can grow with the baby. P slept in the bassinet for the first 2 weeks in our room and it was extremely helpful to have her so close and to have a changing table/pad right next to her. Everything is machine washable, very light and compact. You can also remove the bassinet and place it in the bed/use to travel overnight with the baby if needed.
- High Chair – we love our modern high chair that is convertible to a toddler chair. It’s been so easy to clean/wipe down and P loves having a “big girl chair.”
- Pug Baby Bath – a silicone molded baby bath perfect for washing in the sink. It’s so much easier to wash a newborn in the sink than having to bend down into the tub, especially when they’re so little and fragile. The Puj is also foldable so you can pack it if you’re on the go/staying overnight, etc.
- ALGOT Shelving system – fully adjustable and affordable shelving system from IKEA. You can mix and match rods, baskets, drawers, etc. and adapt it as baby grows.
- Fisher Price Rocker – we used this every day for the first 6 months of P’s life. It was a life-saver, is very affordable (under $35!), washable, collapsible, and adjustable to either rocking or stationary positions.
- Wildbird Sling – cloth slings are wonderful for a more intimate hold and skin-to-skin contact. If you’re nursing (or plan to be) it was a wonderful way to connect with the baby and nurse on the move. P took many naps in our sling. The fabric is loose, light, airy, and these are from a woman-operated business! Lots of colors, fabrics, fits to chose from so check ’em out.
- Sterilizer – if you have any pets, I highly recommend. We used it for bottle parts, pumping parts, utensils, pacifiers, etc.
- Mesh Crib Lining – keeps everything (baby limbs and toys) in the crib! Breathable and very baby-friendly. Washes great.
- Boppy Pillow – I’m sure you’ve seen the boppy around but it really is the best pillow out there. You use it from day 1 whether you’re nursing, looking for added support, using it for tummy time, propping the baby up, you will get your money’s worth. The outer cover is machine-washable. The pillow has maintained its form really well; I have not noticed any sagging or lose of firmness.
- Nuby Silicone Plate – no-mess magical plate that cannot be tossed around. Has saved us many messes and is under $10 at Target! Lots of colors and styles available.
- Two-Camera Baby Monitor – under $80 two-camera baby monitor! We have this exact one and love it:
- Night vision
- Two-way audio
- Temperature control
- You can zoom remotely / shift camera angle
- Includes an alarm/timer
- You can sync it with the free app so you can watch your baby on multiple devices (iPad, both partner phones..)
- Includes TWO cameras. We had one for our crib and one for her play area.
- It has almost 2,700 5 star reviews on Amazon – trust me, it’s worth it. Don’t spend $200 on another camera for the brand…
- Sound Canceling Headphones – your baby’s hearing is developing for the first two years so do not risk it and buy the headphones. They’re under $20 and work! We took P to two raves and she slept through everything. Multiple colors available.
- Fisher Price Toddler Walker – helped P learn to walk and she still uses it to learn to run. Has multiple levels and activities so even 8 months later she still plays with it every other day. Multiple colors available.
- AB to Jay Z – I mean, c’mon. If you’re from the BX you need this book. It’s hilarious and so much fun and P loves it. We also love Baby Feminists. We’re always looking for books that represent her culturally, where we’re room, our neighborhoods, our city!
- MegaBloks – babies can’t play with Legos (choking hazard!) so these have been a life-saver. The jumbo bag includes 80 blocks of various colors and configurations – so far she’s loved it and plays with in every day. Perfect for chubby fingers/hands. Also under $15!
- Ikea Play Mat – comes in shades of green and shades of pink and is under $25. The mat collapses/folds up so you can tuck it away in the corner or under the crib. Has maintained firmness 18mo later and can be wiped down. It’s made with kid-friendly fibers which was important to us but doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
- 40-piece Bow Set – $10 for 40 large bows that we use everyday. Highly encourage you to snag these or gift them.
- Activity Set – 12″ wooden activity set that can be played with again and again. Everything can be wiped down, is non-toxic, and lightweight.
- Customized Santa Sack – we bought this for P’s first Christmas and it was a great way to consolidate all of her gifts. Purchase it now or before the holiday rush when it’s only $20 (including customization). We also took the sack with us when we went to visit family as an easy way to round up and carry back any gifts.
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Made with Visme Infographic Maker
If you’re looking for DIY wall decor I suggest a $10 project: DIY Alphabet Wall-Art using paint and canvases from the craft store.
Is there something I missed? Something you can’t live without Let me know in the comments and be sure to share this guide with all your new-mama friends and mamas-to-be!
Cheers,
Tiarra
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