Hey hey!
I’ve been meaning to type up this post for awhile now and since Sawyer is officially 2 months old, I think it’s high time I share what must haves got us through the first 8+ weeks of his life.
In no particular order:
The binky (aka pacifier, or nuk):
Some moms are adamantly against using a pacifier for fear of nipple confusion (if breastfeeding) or a reliance as they get older. Or also fear of it impacting tooth growth. We have those concerns, but believe it’s self-soothing abilities far outweigh the possible future unknowns. Since the bean likes his binky (Nuk brand), my boob never (or rarely) gets used as his human pacifier. I’m also able to be far more independent since the binky keeps him happy and quiet.
The Boppy:
Okay this actually may be my favorite baby item ever. It’s sort of fabulous. It’s primary use may be for breastfeeding, which I still use all.the.time. But it is also the bean’s home-base. He naps in it, hangs out in it, takes a bottle in it, chills in it, and sometimes even sleeps in it while it’s nestled in the bassinet at night. I like to lay a blanket inside(or over it, as shown) so he doesn’t slither underneath the cushion. The blanket also kept him more propped up when he was really little.
The Bjorn:
As far as baby carriers go, I’ve only tried the Bjorn, but any ol’ baby carrier will do as long as it’s comfy for you! It’s just so wonderful to have both hands free! This has been a life saver for me, especially for walking the dog. I learned the hard way how difficult it is to push a stroller and walk my 45 lb dog. Not fun my friends.
The Babee Covee:
I randomly picked this up while at a Baby Pallooza fair I attended in my pregnancy. It is literally like 7 different items in one: a blanket, an infant carrier cover, a grocery cart seat cover, a breastfeeding cover, and more. As you can see I use it to cover the infant carrier. I love being able to peek through the hole to check on the soybean while still keeping him completely shielded from the wind or bright sun. Seriously love this cover. I would highly highly recommend getting one. Even the hubby came around to loving it 
The bouncy chair:
We got the Fisher Price Comfy Time bouncy chair in Coco Sorbet for Sawyer. While he doesn’t use it all that much, it is perfect for bringing him into the bathroom while I shower. The combo of steam, rushing water, and calming vibrations keep the bean happy so I can take my daily shower in peace.
Chicco KeyFit Caddy:
Yep we bought a $400 jogging stroller and use this <$100 stroller so much more! It has a huge basket in the bottom great for carrying groceries, coats, diaper bags, purses, etc. It’s super light and folds up in a cinch. This has been a fabulous post-baby purchase. We envision bringing this stroller with us to NYC in May. And if it breaks before then (due to over use by me!) then it’s cheap enough to buy another. Perfect!
There are a number of items that we got and don’t really use, but that would be another post.
But in other news, my Mom arrived last night– she is staying for 2 weeks. Wahoooo! I’m so stoked. I have a ton of plans in store for us, including the zoo 
If you’re a new parent, what item[s] worked for you?
Ooooh I’ll have so many questions for you when my turn comes around.
Do you think you use the caddy more so because he doesn’t fit in the stroller yet without his car seat? Or is it just easier to use overall?
And you have the Chicco keyfit 30 car seat right? And you’re bringing it with to NYC? We have the same, and extra bases for the car, so we can drive the boys around together when you’re here.
The caddy is just soooooo easy and light. It will always be easier than the big one, but we’ll like the big on fit in w/o the car seat.
And yup, Chicco Key fit 30
PS… I just bought myself a babee covee. For some reason when you got it, it seemed like a cool extra and not a necessity, but seeing it in all your pics and hearing how useful it is made me think it’ll probably be pretty handy for me as well.
Well you poop head, I was going to buy YOU one!
Shanna, try the Ergo baby carrier when he gets a little bigger. The Bjorn started to hurt my back and shoulders as my girls got bigger. The Ergo puts all of the weight into your hips and butt, so you don’t feel it as much. You can also wear it on the front, the side or the back. In fact, I put my 3-year-old in it the other day and hauled her all around Trader Joe’s (while the 1-year-old sat in the cart…silly carts not suitable for two kids
(And I only put the big kid in it because she was BEGGING! They love it!)
Oh that’s so good to know K! Thanks! My back does hurt a bit in the Bjorn.
Love this post. Cameryn wont take a picifier, wont hang in either of her boppys (the regular one or lounger) for long, she hates infant carriers and likes being held better, although she did take a walk in the moby the other day. She also wont sit in her vibrating chair or swing for more than two minutes if we are lucky. We also bought a $400 stroller but then ordered another lightweight version of it so I can keep it in my car. The light weight one is definitely used way more.
You are lucky to have such an easy going baby! Maybe Baby C will come around!
I also love that cover that serves as so many uses! What a cool idea!
Olivia won’t sit in the vibrating seat or either boppy for very long either. She will only use the lounger if she is already sleeping and swaddled. She used her vibrating seat for about 20 min today while I speed showered and dried my hair (she likes the hair dryer). But we just got the Fisher Price Snugabunny swing and it’s HEAVEN. It swings side to side instead of back and forth and its so snuggly. She loves it.
Today I used a pacifier for the first time- the NUK orthodontic. I feel guilty using it, but I cannot be a human pacifier- I’m still waiting on my nipples to completely heal. I can’t believe how openly I talk about my nipples these days.
We do not have a swing but I like the idea of the one you got. Thanks for the tip!
The cover is fabulous!
Isnt it funny how some of the cheaper items get the most use?
This post is super helpful.. love it! It is seriously overwhelming to shop/register for baby stuff and it is so much easier to get the real scoop from been-there-done-that moms.
And the truth is that you won’t know until your baby comes what you really need. I bought lots of stuff people swore by, but didn’t work for me and vice versa. I’d say to stock up on gift cards so that you can buy stuff later as you need it!
Oh yes giftcards are so nice!
I can’t wait to hear your “don’t” needs. I’m registered for what feels like SOOO much stuff and I probably don’t need most of it!
Interesting. I’m curious in your don’t needs as well! My friend is about ready to have a child-so I’m going to forward her this!
We used a Bumbo seat when Brett got a little older. Cost about $45 & can get tray & other accessories for it. They have to be good at holding head up but don’t have to be able to sit up. It helps them sit up and they can look around, works awesome & the other parents ive known that also used it loved it also!! Sawyer is such a cutie & I’m glad your feeling better!
We have a bumbo and a tray
Omg your baby is adorable!!! Last time I read your blog you were still pregnant! How time lies
Oops flies** =)
Great list! I so agree about the binky! I was SO against it but then found that the benefits outweighed everything else. It’s a great way for babies to self sooth! Unfortunately Ella hates her now (it’s probably a good thing) but all she wants is my boob and it gets old sometimes hahaha–especially when I want to get things done and she’s not “eating” just “nursing”
I would add the zip up blanket for the first few months too. They were great! After I was through with swaddling Ella used those to sleep in and keep wamr and I didn’t have to worry about her getting smothered or uncovering herself!
Love the idea of the zip up blanket for the same reasons you listed. I will have to buy one for sure.
Sawyer doesnt use my boob to nirse since he just falls asleep. Ha!
Animal-inspired hats are also a must have, in my opinion
LOVE this!! I had no idea about the Babee Covee- that looks PERFECT
I will definitely be getting this as a gift!!
I just wanted to tell you that you look GREAT!
Awww you are such a sweetheart
He is SUCH a cutie!!! Seriously, SO adorable
Even though I’m not yet a mom, I still really enjoyed this post. 5% of my enjoyment is due to the fact that the covee sounds really friggin’ awesome. 95% is because Sawyer’s baby pics are just so darn adorable!
Haha, thanks Tiff