Parenting: What we used most our first month

We made it our first month as new parents.  Luckily, our baby has been healthy and happy and with both of us home, we have really enjoyed these first weeks as a family.  I have a couple girlfriends with babies on the way and they have asked what we used most.

1. DockATot: We use this everyday. It is basically a portable bassinet but is small enough to put in your bed.  It is lightweight and is worth the investment.  

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2. Aden & Anais swaddle blankets  We use these for everything.  They are excellent for swaddling, the perfect lightweight blanket, and good for proping up elbows and heads during feedings.

3. Fisher Price My Little Snugabear Cradle 'n Swing: We actually didn't have a swing purchased before the baby was born and got this as a gift and love it.  The seat is so comfy, there are multiple swinging positions, the owls turn around, and the music is on a timer.  We used this a it more than I anticipated.  It's perfect when you need a few minutes to get chores done.

Munchkin Deluxe Drying Rack: We also have the grass drying rack but found this to be the go-to.

Soothie Pacifier: I read online to not buy many pacifiers since each child can be different on what they prefer.  We got this brand from the hospital and he definitely prefers it.  It's a soft gummie style and we ended up with a couple cute pacifiers with a harder texture and he wouldn't take them (yet).

Baby Monitor:My husband was in charge of the baby monitor and this is what we ended up with.  I don't know pros/cons of other monitors but this has worked great for us.  You can also put an app on your phone to watch from there.  

Bath Tub: This was another item I found from blog recommendations.  It's great.  It holds the baby nice and snug at the perfect angle.  The water doesn't run out of the bottom of it so you can sponge bathe on the countertop or wherever you'd like.  It will also easily convert to tub use once we start giving more traditional baths.  One secret that has worked for us, we leave a warm washcloth on his belly to keep him warm while we wipe him down using a couple other warm-water washcloths.  

Hooded towels: My husband does the bathing and I scoop him up to get him redressed.  These hooded towels are the perfect size and work great to keep him warm after baths.

Honest Baby Wipes: We got lots of diapers and wipes as gifts and these are our faves.  Some brands are "thin" but these are nice and thick and are our current faves.

Baby Gown:  We have several of these and they are a must have.  I would leave him in a gown all day if we could.  We used them for his first doctor appointments since there is redressing required and they're excellent for sleeping.  Any little thing to make overnight diaper changes easier.  He likes his long sleeve footie jammies also but they are a lot more work for mom and dad during the night.  

Happy August!  I made it thru my first week back at work and am starting to feel like this little baby is actually ours.  I have barely left the house except for work, gym, and doctors appointments.  I have the best intentions to take him out to stroll the mall and we end up laying together on the couch most of the day.  We actually made our first outing together on Saturday and went to HomeGoods and he didn't make a peep.  We planned to go to Target also but ended up coming back home.  I'll try to make myself get out again this weekend.  :)

Cheers to a great week.