11 Life-Changing and Must-Have Products For New Parents That They Will Thank You For
Hi friends! Before we had Phil, we had no idea what to put on our baby shower registry, and what to buy to prepare for our lives as new parents. There are so many products out there for new parents, and it was so daunting for us to choose what’s best to buy. Our priority was to get our home baby-proof and ready for Phil’s arrival. We did a lot of research, made a lot of mistakes, but succeeded in choosing some of the best life-changing and must-have products for new parents. We’ve tried them, used them, and love them. Some of the products, we still use today! They have sparked plenty of joy in our lives when we were new parents. Here’s our list:
Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo book
If you haven’t heard about Marie Kondo and her KonMari Method, then you’re seriously missing out on her life-changing magic of decluttering and sparking joy. Her book(s) will help new parents clear out spaces, organize the nursery, and bring peace and joy to their lives, or at least decrease the level of hectic-ness in their homes. Before I learned the KonMari Method, I was hanging all of Phil’s baby clothes using small hangers. His closet was a mess. Every time I went through it, clothes would fall off the hangers, I’d get lost, and I’d want to rip out my hair. Definitely get this book, or encourage new parents to watch her show on Netflix. That way, you’ll learn to fold baby clothes the right way, file them away neatly, and also learn how to organize and store all your new baby items!
2. LectroFan White Noise Machine, $50, Amazon
This white noise machine blocked out distracting noises and created a zen-full environment for Phil when he was a newborn. Today, we have one in each of our bedrooms to drown out noises and promote sleep. The sounds from the white noise machine reminds newborns of their muffled environments in their mommies’ wombs. They’ll sleep better, which means their parents will also catch lots and better ZZZs.
Baby Nasal Aspirator
3. Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker by Fridababy, $16, Amazon
Newborns have very tiny nostrils that get clogged up easily. You never want to dig in there with a Q-tip or your fingers. This nasal aspirator by NoseFrida is a game-changer. Squirt a little saline solution into baby’s nostrils, and then suck away. This is not for the faint of heart though. Snot and boogies will fly, with great pleasure, into the tube. Make sure you have the filter in place, lest you want a salty snack!
4. Britax B-Lively & B-Safe 35 Travel System, $400, Amazon
We loved our Britax Travel System. The Britax B-Lively Stroller is lightweight, and has smooth wheels and plenty of storage space for a diaper bag and other supplies needed on the go. Reviewers on Amazon rave about how easy the B-Safe car seat is to assemble. This system comes in three colors: raven (black), dove (gray), and cardinal (red). We had the Britax B-agile system, and Phil grew out of his car seat once he reached 25 pounds. He could still, however, fit in his B-Agile stroller when he was about three years old.
5. The 5 Love Languages of Children, $9, Amazon
Love comes naturally, but how one child desires to be loved may be drastically different from the next. This insightful book will prepare new parents in choosing the right “language” to communicate their love to their child, discipline them affectively, assist in their successful growth and learning, and prevent “nagging” or ineffective disciplinary measures. When love grows in a household, so does harmony and peace.
6. The 5 Languages of Love: The Secret to Love that Lasts, $9, Amazon
While it’s a joyous occasion to bring home a new baby, many challenges lie ahead for the new parents. Sleepless and restless nights, spikes in stress, anger, resentment, and fatigue can all happen, especially in the first few weeks! It’s important for the new parents to remember to communicate love to each other effectively. Fights may be hard to avoid, but remember, you’re in this together as new parents. Staying in love as new parents and taking care of the baby together effectively will make your first few weeks with the new baby more bearable. The key to success is building a lifetime of unconditional love.
7. HaloVa Diaper Bag, $36, Amazon
As new parents, your hands will always be full. You might want to use a backpack-type diaper bag to avoid having to hold the bag, or have the shoulder-strap ones get in the way. As new parents of Phil, we found using backpacks as diaper bags to be most efficient. Lightweight bags with different compartments and pockets are the best.
Reviewers on Amazon love how adorable and stylish the HaloVa diaper bag is, especially in coral. Just be aware that some reviewers also feel the bag’s quality isn’t the best. There are alternatives.
I also like the Re-Kanken as a diaper bag for more casual runs outside. Re-Kankens and Kankens don’t have a lot of compartments, however.
I also recommend Kipling backpacks. I personally use a Re-Kanken for work and my laptop. With Phil, I used a Kipling backpack. I don’t think the one I have is in circulation any more, but here are two that can be used well as backpack diaper bags.
Let me know what you think!
8. Aden and Anais Classic Swaddle Blanket for babies, $45, Amazon
Aden and Anais swaddle blankets are soft, breathable, and durable, made from natural muslin. They have a variety of prints to choose from, are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. Swaddled burrito-newborns are happy newborns. By the time babies start to turn over, around the two-month mark, stop swaddling them, and use these as blankets instead. We loved our Aden and Anais swaddle blankets.
9. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle 'n Swing, $120, Amazon
Sleep is one thing new parents crave the most. Newborns and young babies are very fussy with sleep. We found that Phil fell asleep quickly and slept longer whenever we used our Cradle ‘n Swing by Fisher-Price. It comes with a rotating mobile, a mirror for baby to stare up at, and very cute lullabies. We didn’t find the motor to be annoying or loud. Just be sure not to put baby on the swing for more than 20 minutes at a time, to avoid flattening the back of baby’s head. The headrest is pretty hard.
10. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub, $20, Amazon
A Wirecutter runner-up pick for best newborn to toddler tub, this tub can fit over a sink while you wash baby in comfort. In the sling and over water, baby will be relaxed and soothed. A nice warm bath before sleep time will help calm baby, and ensure a good night’s rest for everyone. We found this tub so easy to use. Just watch out for poopy accidents!
11. Aquaphor Healing Ointment for Baby, $14, Amazon
It’s so easy for babies to get diaper rashes, even when parents are diligent with changing wet and dirty diapers on a timely basis. New parents, don’t berate yourselves if you find your babies with diaper rashes. They happen. We found Aquaphor to provide a great protective barrier for Baby Phil’s tushy. When he did have pretty bad diaper rashes, we mixed Aquaphor with Butt Paste, and he healed pretty quickly.
Bonus gift!
California Design Den Luxe Bed Sheet set, $44, Amazon
Spoil new parents with a luxuriously soft, comfortable and beautiful, minimalist bed sheet set from California Design Den. These sheets are surprisingly affordable. What’s best about them is that they’re ethically-made (LEED 4 Gold Certified). They’re also machine-washable, and made of pure, natural 100% cotton. We loved our 600-thread count king sheet set in the calming Spa color. They won’t feel like silk, more like cotton, but that makes it breathable in the summer. New parents need to be spoiled by cool, relaxing, calming sleep, so pick up a set of these sheets! Their founder, Deepak, is also extremely personable! We haven’t washed out set yet, so we’re not sure how they will fare with wrinkles, but if you check reviews on Amazon, you’ll see 4.5 out of 5 stars and a high percent of customer satisfaction!
Our parent and new parent friends, what products do you recommend? What are some of your must-haves, game changers, and life-changing baby goodies?