Top 10 Survival Items for Infants

Kathryn Porter
Nov 8, 2016
6 min read

I blinked and my newborn is 2 months old and huge. My heart is in a constant tug-of-war between aching for her little newborn, wide-eyed, "hello world" self, and reveling in the fact that she now smiles at more than just gas.

With all of my two months of mothering experience I've compiled a list of those things that absolutely SAVED ME with this new and very alive bundle of cuteness.

(Click on the underlined heading to find it on Amazon!)

1. Boppy Lounger

Everyone knows you need a boppy for nursing, I don't think I know a single first-time mom that doesn't have one. And if you don't have one it simply means that you are much more BOSS at figuring out the whole "get my baby to suck on my boob and stay there while simultaneously holding her and dealing with the needles bursting out of my nipple OUCH" thing.

This is not about the boppy. The magical item I speak of is the Boppy Lounger. My mom got this for me as a fluke, thinking she was getting a regular boppy. Best fluke ever! We have used this sucker every stinkin' day. Great for propping up baby anywhere you need to be. I can't tell you how many meals I've eaten, dinners I've prepared, or workouts I've attempted with baby nearby in the boppy. WIth a handle at the top it's easy to carry while holding baby, or just pick the whole thing up with her in it. So light, easy, and comfy. Does this come in adult size?

PLUS! It saved my tush the first couple of weeks. Most comfortable seat you'll find for your very sore off-limits region. Definitely a win-win. Win for baby and MEGA win for your rear-end.

2. Coconut oil

My greatest fear going into this whole "mom" thing was not the labor, recovery, or sleepless nights.... BREASTFEEDING. In all of its cracked, bloody, engorged, painful glory. They have some great classes, products, and services out there to help out, but the true game-changer for me was Coconut Oil.

Using coconut oil as nipple cream was my sister-in-law's suggestion who got it from her doctor father. The other nipple creams were too thick and pasty to be really effective--and MAN were they painful to smear on. Plus, I was worried about that stuff getting into my baby's mouth. Ew!

Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial AND, might I add, edible. Even though it seems solid in the jar, when you scrape out a little bit and rub it between your fingers it quickly changes to a more liquid consistency--perfect for smooth, painless application to those cracked and bloody nipples. Did I mention game-changer?

Other great uses: face moisturizer for that brand new skin (won't irritate or cause baby acne), diaper rash salve, cradle cap, and even teething pain reliever. Check out this list for more uses.

3. Wraps/Slings

"Baby Wearing" is a movement, and as such has caused a tidal wave in the baby product ocean. Ther e are a whole slew of companies that do baby wraps and slings and they are all adorable and OH so helpful. I have a Solly Wrap and I love it. It's simple to put on, gives enough support, and easy to toss in the diaper bag. This thing has made housekeeping, working, meal prep, eating, computer-ing...basically anything that requires my two hands...a breeze. And there's nothing better than baby snuggles.

4. Puj Baby Gift Set

This was my first official baby purchase and I have not regretted it. What I love about Puj's products is they make everything easy while still being sleek and understated. The tub itself is sleek, simple, fits in any sink, and could even be packed in a carry-on suitcase. The towel and

washcloths are SO soft and are my favorite to use on Annie's sensitive little skin. The little nubs make bathtime easier because I can hang the towels, washcloths AND tub in a convenient spot. My favorite aspect thought...the towel is wearable.

Like I can hook the towel around my neck and have both hands free while I bathe my little girl. That means there's not a second that she's sitting in the tub without my hands on her. Paranoid moms (like myself)...you're welcome.

5. Squeeze bottle & Scalp Scrubbie

These two go together because you score both of them from the hospital and you do NOT want to leave them behind. So simple, yet so so helpful. And free :)

The squeeze bottle is a necessity for cleaning out your aching "red zone" and it feels AMAZING. I seriously considered getting a bidet after using this. They'll give you the whole run-down of how to clean and care for your very sore and sensitive vagina, just make sure you don't forget to bring the cheap, plastic squeeze bottle behind. You will use it. And not just for yourself! It makes a great rinsing squirt bottle for bath time. Super helpful for babies with a lot of hair--you don't want any soap residue buliding up!

As for the Scalp Scrubbie--again--so simple yet SO helpful. Such a great way to avoid and treat cradle cap. My mother-in-law says this is the same tool they've been using since she was a first-time mom. There's a reason for that! Hang on to this one!

6. Rock and Play

This was worth every penny. The Rock and Play is a sleeper and playtime seat combined and Annie has slept in this thing every night since we brought her home. It rocks on its own at various speeds, plays music or noise if baby requires, and has a setting that turns off after 30 minutes or 6 hours. Lightweight, easy to collapse, the Rock and Play is easy to move (even with baby in it) or to fold up and take with you on a trip. The seat is tilted and provides snug, breathable support for baby--again a blessing to paranoid moms who worry about airways and breathing and silly things like that. My favorite feature: I can put it right next to my bed. I can hear my baby breathe at night, simply turn over to check on her, and it's made nighttime feedings a breeze (if they can be considered a breeze).

This is a MUST-HAVE!

7. Depends

Yes ladies, you NEED Depends. I'm telling you, I was thanking my lucky stars for a dear friend who gifted me a package of nice depends. The kind with pretty flowers and a nice clean scent. The kind that feels almost like underwear. The kind that are not XXXXXXXXXXXL and weird like what the hospital gives you. Oh yes, you need depends. Depending (no pun intended) on your recovery, you could be bleeding for weeks and weeks. Depends were a life saver to my wardrobe, my sanity, and my tush. Especially because they were so much better at keeping those little ice packs down under right where they needed to be. Trust me. You will not be sorry.

8. Swaddles

So this might not be anything new but they are so important that they deserve to be on this list...SWADDLING BLANKETS! I received so many of these perfect muslin baby wrappers, that I thought I'd have to return some for sure. WRONG. You can never have enough. Because baby is sure to spit up, pee, and poop on them. It was not uncommon for me to go through multiple swaddles a day. And during the newborn "burrito" phase, these blankets are basically their wardrobe...it's all anyone ever sees! So go to town! You won't be sorry.

I like the Little Remi blankets because they are larger, lightweight, non-shrink/fray/little fuzzies...and so so pretty! Love the floral!

9. Wipe Warmer

This is an ingenious idea and perfect gift. The Munchkin Wipe Warmer alleviates one of the worst aspects of the nighttime baby saga: "Diaper change screams." Imagine how you would feel if you were sleeping nicely, maybe even with a newly filled belly, and all of a sudden... BAM. Cold wetness on your bum and in every nook and cranny. I'd be upset too. The wipe warmer helps your cozy, sleepy baby stay cozy and sleepy. I don't know if it's the wipes or if my baby is just an anomoly, but Annie LOVES to have her diaper change. Like, stop the crying, big smiles, "This is the best day of my life" sort of love.

10. Wubbanub

Can't. say. enough! This thing has been a life-saver! Every mom knows that while baby loves that giant "Soothie" pacifier you got at the hospital, IT DOESN'T STAY IN! It even has a finger-shaped hole in the middle--for you to spend your life with finger, in binky, in mouth...forever. Ain't nobody got time for that!

Enter Georgie the Giraffe.

The Wubbanub is a simple concept with a ridiculous name. The "Soothie" binky is attached to a soft animal that has just enough weight to keep that binky in baby's mouth. No finger required. Now, this only works as long as your baby is in the "sit still looking beautiful" phase. The more active baby gets, the harder it is for the animal to keep the binky in baby's mouth (mine is currently in the constant look back and forth phase). However, once baby starts to be able to hold things, then he or she will hold the Wubbanub in place all on their little lonesome. Genius. And adorable--Georgie is Annie's best friend and she loves to snuggle him. Melt my heart.