I’ve been a momma now for over 12-years. It’s amazing because who ever coined the phrase, “time flies while you’re having fun,” was right. I’m having the time of my life and boy, where is the time going?
Amelia Elaine – 3 weeks old – sticking out her tongue. (Blurry cell phone picture ;))
As we prepared for Amelia’s birth we realized that several of our baby items had been cycled through and needed replacement. I find that most items make it through 2-3 babies and then have outlived their life span. There are also loved items that we’ve had since the beginning of our parenting days, but they’re hanging on for dear life. Namely our crib has lasted us twelve years. Once Liam is into his toddler bed the crib will be made into a fabulous creation that I’ve seen on Pinterest. Today I’m sharing a list of my must have items for each baby. I’ve also included how long each of these items tend to last, at least in our baby growing household. Be sure to leave your must have baby item ideas in the comments.
New Baby Items
I love my Boppy nursing pillow. This nursing pillow is now on its 4th baby at our house. The pillow covers are removable and machine washable. I have had to buy replacement pillow covers every 2 babies.
The Bumbo seat is another item that is currently on its 4th baby in our family. It’s very durable and will most likey never need replaced.
My nursing covers make it through two babies it seems. Then they are so well-loved that I’m ready for a fresh color or two. I gave Naomi my last nursing cover and she plays mommy with it.
I now have three Moby Wraps and believe me the love affair continues. When I was pregnant with Gabriel 4 years ago I began looking into making my baby wraps. The only problem was the cost of material in my area. I checked fabric stores and online. I couldn’t find fabric that would be cheaper than buying the Moby Wrap. I now have a light green, black, and recently added the tan one shown above. I also love these wraps because I can breastfeed on the go. At three weeks old Amelia is starting to get the hang of the wrap and she hasn’t complained yet. 😉
A baby swing is another BIG must have item for me. This is the new baby swing that we got with Amelia. Our last baby swing made it to the dump after Liam grew out of it. The new My Little Snugabunny 
My Ergo baby carrier is another must have baby item. This carrier is very comfortable for me to wear and it one of those you-get-what-you-pay-for items. I have no strain on my shoulders or back and I’m able to wear any child ages 5-months through 4-years in this carrier. I have the camel colored carrier shown above. Miss Amelia will be the third baby in this Ergo and it seems to have a long life ahead of it.
Ahh, a good ‘ol pack n’ play. This is yet another two baby item at our house. After the 2nd baby has had a turn in the pack n’ play I’m ready to throw it out and get a fresh one.
Baby mittens! I always put my new little ones in baby mittens to keep them from scratching their sweet faces.
Sigh, you caught me – I admit it. I’m a long-term breastfeeding mom…and I use a pacifier. There’s no shame in my game. I remember my heart breaking after taking our first baby Jadin for his first ride in the family van from the hospital. I cried with him as he screamed through the car ride home. Shortly after that I found a pacifier helps car rides tremendously.
Pacifier clips are a necessity! I have one clipped on the baby swing and one clipped on the car seat.
Ooooo, I love little baby caps. I put my babies in these caps no matter what time of year they are born.
I use receiving blankets for a whole host of reasons. Mainly I use them as burping cloths. Finally with Amelia I made myself keep a few special receiving blankets and pitch the rest. After five babies they needed to be set free. There is freedom in new receiving blankets. 😉
We always have a Jumperoo type product. Our current Jumperoo was new with Liam and will be well-loved with Amelia, then we’ll need a replacement with the next baby.
I always need a Car Seat Cover for winter months.
The baby head support rest is always important. Although Amelia is almost out of the first insert.
Summer Infant CushyStraps, Ivory
I could go on and on my must have baby items. These are some that quickly come to mind for me. What are your must have baby items? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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I love the My Brest Friend nursing pillow. Works a lot better for me than my Boppy, which I had used for 3 kids. I have a Baby Bjorn that I like, but would love to try an Ergo. I want to love the Moby wrap – I just struggle with all the material! 🙂 Love our Graco Cradle Swing that goes side to side or back and forth. The Medela Pump In Style Backpack has been a lifesaver, too. That’s all I can think of off the top of my head…
I like your list but I would probably buy the Brest Friend nursing pillow instead of the Boppy Pillow, the Boppy was too bulky to breast feed for my taste.
After doing a ton of research we purchased thus seat for #4. I am extremely happy with it and recommend it to everyone!
http://www.gracobaby.com/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1779382
Your list is almost absolutely complete! The only thing that I think needs to be added is that using baby head support in a car seat can void it’s warranty unless that head support comes WITH the car seat. The reason for this is if it is not specifically designed for that car seat it can actually cause damage should there ever be an accident. One was to avoid this is to use rolled up receiving blankets around the babies head instead!
I agree with the comments about the Breast Friend pillow. I used a boppy with my 2nd and 3rd and it didn’t work any better then the pillow I had used with my 1st. I loved using the Breast Friend pillows at the hospital and finally bought one while I’m pregnant with #4. I can’t wait to use it with her as I feel it gives me more support and holds up better. I LOVE my nursing cover! I would like to get a new one for this baby as it is our first girl and would like a little pink. =) LOVE our swing with the AC adapter, it was hard to find, but I’m glad to hear it seems to becoming more popular. I would add a bouncer to your list. We loved our bouncer and it was well loved after 3 boys and I’m looking forward to getting a new one for our girl. Just trying to decide whether to stay neutral or go with a girly theme. It’s going to be different finally having a girl after 3 boys. Can’t wait! =)
Great list of must haves!! 🙂
You know, several readers have told me about those pillows. I will have to try one. 🙂 Baby Bjorn hurt my back and shoulders so I had to give the Ergo a try – love it! When I first got the Moby with Gabriel it took me about 6 months of trying it…putting it on the shelf…trying it….putting it on the shelf. Finally it clicked for me and I love it. They do take a little bit. 🙂
Gee-whiz, what do I know. I never thought of that. Thanks Joanne!
You’re right, Kristi – the swings with the AC adapter is hard to find. I ended up having to order ours on Amazon. I love it! I’ve tried to be good with Amelia and keep the colors for the major products neutral, but she WEARS a lot of pink. 😉
I always need a new diaper bag for each baby. Man, those things take a beating! I love the graco co-sleeper that attaches to our bed. Because they only use it for a few months they really hold-up and are great for traveling too.
I just recently wrote a post on my baby must-haves; you can check it out here.
http://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/2013/02/baby-must-haves-guest-post.html
Thanks, Sara! I’ll check it out. 🙂 Nothing like a new baby to remind you of all the equipment that you need.
We had a seven year gap between our last two babies. It was fun to see the changes in the “must have” baby products. My two favorite things are the Baby K’tan- it is like a Moby wrap, but quicker to put on, and Robeez. My fifth baby is my first one to keep her shoes on! LOL. Robeez are comfy and hard for them to take off.
Well, it’s been three years since I’ve had a baby (sigh) but I have to say, the Graco Soundmaker is a hit at our house! I still use it in my son’s room at night to create background white noise. It’s one of those purchases that has paid for itself in spades! Your daughter is beautiful, and seeing the photos make me a bit misty 🙂