Baby Must-Haves: Take 2

I wrote my first baby must-haves post when Avery was 3 months old, but I wanted to update the list now that we're in the infant stage again.

You really don't need that much stuff to take care of a baby. They need to be clothed, diapered, fed, and have some place to sleep; the other stuff is just nice to have. This list obviously changes as babies grow, but here's what we're loving these days:

• Aden + Anais blankets: Oh my gosh, I don't know why I just now found out about these. I love the material, and they're so ridiculously versatile. They can be used for swaddling (even with big babies!), burp cloths, car seat covers (when you're out and don't want everybody peeking in at your sleeping baby), or just as a regular blanket. Love. They're a little pricey for a blanket (the Target line is $30 for 4 blankets), but they're totally worth it.
 

• Fisher Price Rock 'n Play: Okay, so maybe this isn't a necessity, but it's definitely a nice bonus. Landon slept in this a lot the first month, and it works nicely as a portable nap bed when I take him to work with me at church.
 

• Burp cloths: We have a spitter. And when you have a spitter, you seriously can't have too many burp cloths. And hey, they can become cleaning rags when you don't need them for spit up anymore. Win. My favorites are the ones are the flannel-backed ones I sew from this tutorial.

• Breast pump
• Electric: I love my Medela Pump in Style Advanced dual electric pump. Love it. Breastfeeding is going really well. So well, in fact, that in the mornings I have to pump after Landon eats just to keep my boobs from exploding. (Nice visual, huh?) Even though I'm not going back to work (which was the reason I got this with Avery), it's already come in handy on multiple occasions, and I anticipate getting even more use out of it in the near future. I'm just glad Landon takes a bottle. :) 

• Manual: I got this Medela Harmony from the hospital when I had Avery, and I only used it a few times when I was nursing her, but this time around it has been a lifesaver (or at least a boob saver anyway) for times that I haven't had access to an electrical outlet. Let's just say I definitely used it in the bathroom stall at the Rangers game last month. It was an emergency, but ew. Not to worry though; I have since learned that they have a nursing area in their first aid room. Good to know, and thanks to Carissa for enlightening me! If you're not exclusively pumping or needing to pump at work, the manual pump might be a good option for you. 

• Breast pads: I learned my lesson the hard way when we were out in public and my shirt suddenly revealed two very lovely wet spots right on the boobies (again with the nice visuals, sorry!). Do NOT leave home without breast pads, y'all! Unless you're not nursing, in which case you would look silly with them. My favorites are the Nuk ultra thins because they don't come individually packaged (so wasteful!), they're the most comfortable, AND they're the cheapest. Wins all around.
• Medela Steam Bags: This might just be my favorite baby product. Cleaning bottles, pump parts, and pacifiers in the microwave in just a minute and a half? Yes, please!

• Lansinoh milk storage bags: I started out with the Medela ones with Avery, but the Lansinoh ones are much cheaper and can be frozen flat, which saves lots of freezer space.

• Pack 'n Play: They have so many fancy Pack 'n Plays now. What makes it a must-have for us is that we use it as a bassinet in our room. I love that it has a changing station on it, and it's so portable and handy for traveling.
• Kirkland's diapers and wipes: Yay for Costco! They win the diapers/wipes category for me. I've also heard good things about Amazon Mom, but this option is really convenient and affordable for us. (Plus the quality is my favorite.)
• Munchkin Diaper Bag Dispenser: I don't go anywhere without this attached to the diaper bag. It's perfect for nasty diaper changes in the car (um, I hate public changing tables), and it also works for clothes that have been spit up or pooped on.

• Snap 'n Go stroller: We didn't get one of these when Avery was a baby, but the travel system was just too much to lug around with two kids. The Snap 'n Go is so lightweight and is perfect for quick outings.

We also really love our Fisher Price bouncer, Carter's clothes, Graco Snugride 32 car seat, and Graco Sweet Peace Soother Swing. And we're huge advocates of Craigslist and garage sales for gently-used gear (just not car seats). Never pay full price!

I'm sure I've left something off of this list, but I hope it's helpful!