My Newborn Must-Haves!
1) Tiny Hearts Baby First Aid Course
My number one must have was doing a tiny hearts baby first aid course when my little one was born. This was an absolute non-negotiable for me. I had purchased an Owlet (heart rate and oxygen level monitor which you strap onto babies foot while they are sleeping), and got a red signal, which means either the babies oxygen level is too low, or their heart rate is too high or too low, at which point I actually found myself not know what to do! I didn't see the point of having this device if I didn't know what to do in these situations. It's so incredibly important to know what to do IMMEDIATELY in the event of an emergency.
The wonderful thing about Tiny Hearts is that you can do this course online if you wish, and they cover a broad range of topics, from how to treat burns to what to do if your little one is choking. If there is only one thing you take away from this blog, it's to not delay doing your baby first aid course. You could save your little one's life with it one day!
Click here for a link to the Tiny Hearts Education website.
2) Sleep School Guides
I had a lot of trouble sleep training my first born, I had no idea how to! Until she was over a year old, and I discovered the Sleep School guides. They have several methods of sleep training your little one and you can pick which works best for both you and your child.
I implemented the sleep training with my baby boy a lot sooner, and safe to say it really does work. You just need to be persistent with the method you select.
The guide covers routines and baby awake windows based on their age which is super helpful.
The other thing that I did to help my little boy sleep was put a shutter on his window to completely block out any light coming into his room (the best money I've ever spent!), it's also helped to keep his room a lot cooler during summer.
3) White Noise / Vaporiser / Red Light Machine
Wow what a game changer white noise was for me. I discovered it a little late with my first born, but introduced it at birth for baby number 2 and have not looked back. The reason why this works particularly well in my household is that the white noise helps to block out other environmental noises. If I'm clanging away in the kitchen, or someone knocks at the front door it drowns out these sounds. The particular machine I have is linked here.
The vaporiser component of the machine comes in super handy when my little ones are unwell with a cold (I pop some essential oils in that help clear their airways - perfect).
Some people swear by red light, I didn't see the benefits for my children, but it acts as a handy night light when I need to switch it on.
4) Nasal Aspirator - Snotty Nose
The Snotty Nose is a life saver when my bub gets unwell. Little ones obviously can't blow their nose, so we need to help them clear their airways. My little guy doesn't love having this put up his nose, but it's the fastest and most effective way I can help him breath when he needs it. I also think this one doubles as an excellent baby shower gift! For more information you can visit the Snotty Nose website, linked here.
5) Electric Bottle Steriliser
I have they Tommy Tippee electric bottle steriliser, an absolute must have for me. Quick and easy way to kill bacteria without harsh chemicals, or wasting too much water (such as boiling bottles). It takes around 6 minutes and bottles are sterilised and ready to. Such a great purchase, another great baby shower gift idea in my opinion!
6) Pigeon Bottles
Pigeon bottles are great because they don't leak. Turn a pigeon bottle upside while the cap is off and it's not going to leak, the baby needs to be sucking for the milk to actually come out. I used Pigeon with both of my children and have had a great experience with these bottles.
7) Love To Dream Swaddle Ups
Love to dream swaddle ups are an amazing alternative to traditional swaddles because babies can't escape the swaddle, and it also allows them to sleep in their natural sleep position with their arms up and gives them room to stretch out a little too. They are also great because as bub grows you can transition to an arms out swaddle and they are still sleeping with something they are familiar with.
8) Bunnie Caddie
Bunnie Caddie, the best product for keeping all your baby must haves neat, organised and in one place - its also fantastic because you can easily take this around with you if you were to leave the house. This product is great for storing things like nappies, wipes, sudo cream, spare clothes etc. You can also pick them in a variety of stylish colours which look great in your home.
