Newborn Must Haves!

Chloe is now 4 months old and sadly, no longer a newborn! While I do miss her being so tiny, I am definitely enjoying her more, especially seeing her smile and sharing storytime together :)

I have learned an incredible amount in the last 4 months about parenthood - it is a challenging first few months but so worth it and it definitely gets easier (or my expectations have changed hehe)!

Here is my list of newborn must haves (no particular order), it was something I was looking for and researching when i was 7-8months pregnant in preparation for the lil bub! Hope you find this useful!

Let me know what you found to be helpful in caring for newborns!

1. Swaddle Blanket
Highly recommend the swaddle blankets by Aden and Anais! They are huge (so will fit even the bubs measuring at the 85th percentile :P), soft and breathable and come in variety of designs. They are perfect for swaddling as well as using as a cover over your pram, a blanket, a burp cloth, a coverup while breastfeeding, a mat for your lil one to lie on. The best multi-purpose product ever!!

2. Bouncer/Rocker
If you have a bub that loves to be held 24/7 (and which bub doesn't when they are newborn?!), it can get pretty tiring carrying them around, not to mention you have done zero housework. A bouncer or rocker can be your saviour to give you that much needed 20 mins to shower, eat, do the laundry and exercise!

We tried three different types of rockers including the Mamaroo (which we rented), Fisher Price bouncer and the Bright Starts swing. It is hard to try before you buy, so I would recommend renting where possible before you go out and buy, as your bub may not like it and these things are pricey! Chloe went through phases of when she would like certain rockers/bouncers/swings. She never managed to fall asleep in any of them though!

3. Playmat
Around 2 months, Chloe loved looking at toys so I thought getting a playmat would be a stimulating playtime activity. I am so glad I did cos she absolutely loves it (and still does at 4 months!). I especially like the Bright Starts one we bought as the toys come down quite low so she can grab them and also they are detachable so you can take them with you in the car or pram as well.

4. Highchair
The Peg Perego highchair was recommended by a mum friend and Chloe loves it! She sits with us at dinner and its great cos it feels like real family time! I only wish I had bought it earlier as it is suitable from birth due to the reclining chair!


5. Baby Carrier/Sling
We definitely wanted to use a baby carrier but weren't sure which one to go with. We decided on the Ergobaby Bundle of Joy Original as it came with an infant carrier. Around 3.5 months, Chloe outgrew the infant carrier and she sits happily in the carrier. We have only ever used it with her facing my chest and its handy on days where I do groceries or go to the market!

6. Onesies and Leggings
In terms of clothes, Chloe lived in onesies (with the button up under the nappy) and leggings (for when the weather got cooler). It's easy, practical and makes changing nappies super easy. I love Pumpkin Patch for quality pieces and Bonds Wondersuits Zippies for pjs are the bomb.com!

7. Bonds Maternity Singlet
Bonds is like my fav brand now as a mum! I wish I had discovered this maternity singlet earlier! it would have been perfect for summer! If you're a breastfeeding mummy, I highly recommend stocking up on these as they are practical and makes feeding super easy and non-conspicuous! You can wear them almost under anything!

8. Toys/Rattles with Contrast Pattern
You've probably read that newborns love contrast (black and white) patterns. Chloe loves Mister Penguin Rattle by Lolli Living! She's always grabbing for it in the car :)

9. Pram
We went for the Baby Jogger City Select as it had the option of carrying two kiddies. I love this pram! Although its a bit heavy, it is super sturdy, has huge wheels which help when going up stairs and is very easy to manouvre. It's got heaps of space too in the basket!! Love, love!!


10. White Noise App
White noise is supposed to mimic the sounds heard by the baby when in the womb. And given that the first three months is like the fourth trimester for a bub, white noise is a saviour when they are having a "moment" like in the car! I use the Relax Melodies app.

11. Blackout Blinds
Being a first time mum, I was obsessed with Chloe's sleep. I wanted to create the best environment conducive to sleep and I found that black out blinds helped heaps, especially for naps and blocking out the sun during long days in summer! We bought the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blinds which uses suction caps. The downside to these blinds is that it didnt fit our sliding door but its not a standard window size anyway! We filled the gaps in with black garbage bin bags!