Photo Credit by Vlada Karpovich via Pexels.
When you’re expecting a baby, it’s obvious you need a few essentials. When you’re expecting your second or third+, things get a little trickier. Depending on the gender and what items you may have saved from your previous child, it’s time to buckle down and prioritize. With my first baby, I was lucky to put to use many items gifted to me from showers but when I had my second baby I had a much better idea of what I really needed, items worth the investment and supplies I simply couldn’t live without.
3 Essentials Needed for Each Baby
Comotomo Silicone Bottles
Comotomo Silicone Bottle in 8oz size.
After trying many different types, I discovered Comotomo Silicone Bottles and haven’t looked back since. Whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, bottles are an important part of a baby’s day-to-day and are used nonstop in my home. Designed to mimic breastfeeding, the feel of the bottle is soft and comforting just like the natural breast. It’s a smart solution to combat ‘nipple confusion’ and ‘bottle rejection,’ plus has non-leaking dual air vents to prevent colic. Cleaning is made easy thanks to a wide-neck design and hygienic silicone material makes them dishwasher, microwave and boiling water safe, easing any worry of toxic chemicals. Available in two sizes (5oz and 8oz) and two cute colors (pink or green).
Price: $12.99+
Available: Target
WubbaNub Detachable Pacifier
Self-soothing products for babies are game changing and with WubbaNub you get double the comfort in the form of a binkie + lovable stuffed animal. The sucking sensation triggers an innate calming reflex for infants and the plush animal is strategically sized for little hand’s grasp and weighted to perfection.
The award-winning brand recently launched a new detachable model of the latex-,BPA-, Phthalate-free, 100% silicone pacifier that allows the product to grow with your little one, making washing the animal or replacing the pacifier a breeze.
Price: $15.99
Available: Target
SNOO Smart Sleeper
SNOO Smart Sleeper, a high-tech bassinet that uses rocking motions and white noise to sooth baby to sleep.
Investing in the SNOO Smart Sleeper is one of the best things I did with my last newborn and is easily one of my must-have essentials to have in my home. Created by Happiest Baby, this infant bassinet is in an entirely new class of baby products, imitating the calming and familiar sensations of the womb. Baby is safely swaddled in a sleep sack and fasted atop the bassinet while customized sensations of gentle rocking, soothing and white noise help your little one drift into restful sleep. Created with a sleek design and equipped to sync with their mobile app, nighttime sleep and baby naps have never been easier. I especially appreciate the option to rent the SNOO Smart Sleeper to save on cost and storage.
Price: $1595 to purchase or $159 monthly rental
Available: HappiestBaby
After stocking up on essentials, it was time to evaluate again what can be reused and repurposed, what might need to be replaced and what might be helpful to care for and love our newest baby. The thought of tackling this process was daunting to say the least, especially with small children to take care of and the aches, pains and fatigue that come with pregnancy. I was tired of sifting through reviews and honestly didn’t know exactly where to start, enter: PishPosh Baby.
PishPosh Baby is a baby gear store and online resource offering necessities like strollers and nursery items and everything in-between from dozens of reputable brands. Their customer experience is unparalleled with a team of CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician) experts who can help navigate all things baby for you and your family.
I was able to get on a call with one of the PishPosh Baby experts, Rebecca, who listened to my unique needs, wants and questions. She was kind and helpful, offering her expertise on an array of products that could help us on our way. She shared customer’s experience and reviews on products that matched my needs and could offer new suggestions and alternatives for things I hadn’t even considered. With Rebecca’s help, I was able to answered some valuable questions to help aide in the decision making process:
What products do I already have?
Can these be repurposed or used with add-on options?
Are these products up to safety standards?
What needs do I anticipate having?
What does your lifestyle look like?
What products will help make your lifestyle happy and stress-free?
After ending my conversation with Rebecca, I had much more clarity and confidence moving forward. The PishPosh Baby team makes it a point to develop personal relationships with each of their customers, something you don’t see often in retail anymore and something important to me, especially when large purchases are on the line. PishPosh Baby has a boutique location in Lakewood, NJ, a 10,000 square foot space with ample room to test out strollers, car seats and more. Whether shopping in person or online, it makes sense to make it your one-stop-shop and take advantage of their rewards system (Posh Points,) where you earn points for most purchases and receive exclusive member discounts.
A popular selling item for PishPoshBaby, 4Moms MamaRoo Multi-Motion Baby Swing comforts babies with bounces and sway
Price: $239.99
Available: PishPoshBaby.com
My first purchase from the site will be 4Moms Mamaroo4 Classic, a motion swing/bouncer combo with built-in sounds and various motion and speed options. With two small children already in the home, I was in search of a place I can set the baby down safety and comfortably. I’m able to easily transport the swing throughout my house with different recline options. Rebecca also pointed out the swing is attached at the base, which prohibits kids from swinging or jumping on the back, a safety feature I didn’t even know I needed! Other items on my wish-list include a ride-along attachment for oldest child for my current double stroller and a sensible feeding solution like Inglesina Fast Table Chair.
Because every parent’s needs, prior purchases, and lifestyle are different, I recommend connecting with the PishPosh Baby’s team directly. Stock up on your essentials, ask yourself the right questions and get customized help to make the process manageable. It’s a special time of life, so ditch the stress and confusion and enjoy the process.
