newborn baby essentials — KIDS

I've already mentioned how much I love my DockAtot in this post, but, I've had a couple of friends who have been on the fence about getting one ask me how well I really like it. So I wanted to write up another quick review. Plus, it seems like some of the cutest pictures I have of Cal are of him in his Dockatot, and I need an excuse to post them ;)

First off, my husband and I do not co-sleep (meaning sleep with Cal in our bed). At night he sleeps in his Halo Swivel bassinet (which I also love). But the Dockatot is not just for co-sleeping.

Cal naps great in the Dockatot, and it's so nice keeping it right next to my "office" where I work during the day so I can be close to him while he naps. It's also so convenient to travel with. We haven't traveled much with Cal yet, but last weekend we went up to Park City to my grandparents condo for the day, and I brought the Dockatot for Cal's naps instead of his pack n' play (which is so much heavier and spacious). It was perfect!

The other thing I love about the Dockatot is that it's great for tummy time! The cushy, breathable bumpers can be positioned under the arms to help develop neck strength and motor skills during tummy time.

Have I sold you yet?? Ha!

If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!

Regan

If you haven't heard yet or seen on our Instagram, my sweet little Cal is HOME!!

I am so out of my mind happy and loving life with him home! I am NO baby expert, but wanted to share some of the things that have made life at home with Cal so great. These are things that I think every new mama needs.

Dockatot

I can't say enough great things about the Dockatot. Cal sleeps SO well in it. He sleeps in his Halo Bassinet at night (which I'll share more about below) but naps in his Dockatot. I love that I can put him up on our bed and not worry about him rolling off, or suffocating because the fabric is breathable and 100% safe for infants. I also love this adorable play yard from Finn & Emma. It fits perfectly over the dockatot. Cal is still a little young to play with it, but it sure looks cute out in my living room :)

Little Unicorn Swaddles

These are by far my favorite swaddle blankets. I got a couple as shower gifts, then I had to go buy myself more because there are so many cute prints. I need them ALL. They are breathable, soft, nice and big, and just so cute. They also keep your baby swaddled nice and tight. Nothing better than a swaddled up burrito baby. haha. When Cal was in the NICU he couldn't always wear clothes because of all the monitors and they were constantly unwrapping him to look at his breathing and poke him or listen to him. I did bring him a new blanket and hat every day though and always got so many compliments on his Little Unicorn swaddle blankets.

MamaRoo

I'm pretty sure the MamRoo is a well-known baby product, but I had to add it in here as one of my baby essentials. Cal's occupational therapist when he was in the NICU recommended I get one. Apparently swings are good for babies' brain development. At the time I didn't have one for him, but I knew I needed one after she told me that and I'm so glad he has it now! I work full time from home, and it's a life saver being able to put Cal in the mamaRoo next to me while I work at my computer.

Sollybaby Wrap

I always thought these wraps and all the colors they come in were so cute when moms would wear them. It wasn't until I tried one myself that I realized how amazing and comfortable they are to wear. I love carrying Cal around in it and this is another thing I feel like I need in every color, ha!

Owlet Monitor

This should maybe be at the top of the post, because, really, I think EVERY parent needs one of these. The Owlet is a little sock your baby wears that tracks and allows you to check your baby's heart rate and oxygen levels anytime. I don't think I'd be able to sleep at night without it! Below is a screenshot from my phone showing what the app looks like.

Halo Bassinet

Paige talked about this in her 2016 baby product review post, and she told me this was by far her #1 favorite baby product, so I knew I needed one for Cal. It really is SO nice that it can sit right up next to your bed and swivels back and forth and side to side. My mom also got Cal this cute mobile that fits on the side of the Halo bassinet and Cal LOVES it :)

WubbaNubs

There's something about those Soothie pacifiers (the round green ones they give you in the hospital) that babies love. The only problem is a lot of times babies can't keep them in and you're constantly having to hold them in your baby's mouth (at least I was!). The WubbaNubs are those same Soothie brand pacifiers with a soft stuffed animal attached, that helps weigh the pacifier down and keep it in. Paige's son, MJ, loved his and Cal does now too!

Fawn Design Bag

These bags are not just for diaper bag use. They're cute for anyone! But I love all of the pockets for organizing everything I need in my diaper bag. They come in great neutral colors that go with everything and I love that they can be worn as a backpack!

Fisher Price Bouncer

This is a super simple little bouncer but Cal loves it and it's perfect to keep in my bathroom to put him in while I shower and get ready.

Hands Free Pumping Bra

This is only for those who know they are going to need to pump...a LOT. I couldn't nurse Cal when he was on IV fluids, and had a hard time nursing him when he was finally able to eat. He did great with a bottle, and we just wanted to get him home, so I figured I'd practice nursing at home. Well, now he won't nurse because he's so used to the bottle and getting his food right away, PLUS I don't like not knowing how much he's getting. Long story short, I am exclusively pumping and bottle feeding now. And it's a LOT of work. When I finally heard about this bra, I immediately bought it and it has been a game changer. I pump for 25 minutes each time, and not being able to use my hands for 25 minutes 7-8 times a day is impossible.

This bra is a life saver.

Baby Pictures

Okay, this is the last thing, and it isn't a baby product, but I definitely think professional newborn baby pictures are something all parents should get. I'll be sharing a future post soon with all of Cal's pictures, but here's a little preview.

FotoFly did such an amazing job and we are so glad we got these done! I'll cherish them forever.

I hope this is helpful for any new moms or moms-to-be! I knew nothing about which products I needed, so I asked around a TON and I'm so glad I did! Being prepared and having everything you need before baby arrives adds so much less stress to the mix when bringing home that new little life.

Thanks for reading!

Regan