A Few of My Favorite Things: Newborn Gear

Since the birth of Charles, five weeks ago, I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of newborn gear. In no particular order, here are a few of my favorite things.

1. Lillebaby EuroTote. The EuroTote by lillebaby is a truly clever invention. It’s an over the shoulder baby carrier, a comfortable way to ride in a convertible car seat or a stroller, a sleep mat and a play mat in one. Plus, you can easily transition from one mode to another so a sleeping baby can stay asleep through transitions. I use it mainly as a carrier, which acts as a cocoon for the baby and is much easier than carting around a bulky car seat, and as a stroller insert.

With two tops – a mesh one for warm climates and a padded comfy one for cooler ones – the EuroTote is set for all kinds of weather. Plus, beyond its multi-use functionality it has a certain je ne sais quoi… the cool factor. Not once have I ventured out with the EuroTote without someone asking me about it and telling me how much they love the look. Plus, buy one during the month of November and receive 20% off the retail price. Enter code NOV20 upon checkout to receive the discount. Buy here.

2. Babeebrite Hands Free Night Light. I first heard about the Babeebrite hands-free light several months ago and was somewhat agnostic about it. Until, that is, I actually had a newborn and tried using it. The Babeebrite light shines – literally. I clip it to my pillow at night and when Charles wakes up, I simply click the button for a concentrated light without having to turn on a lamp or overhead (or move, for that matter). It makes nursing easy and diaper changes are quick and effective, without waking up the baby or signaling to him that it is not – banish the thought – the middle of the night. Learn more at www.mommybeehappy.com and buy here at One Step Ahead.

3. The Baby Daze Organizer. With my first two children, I went through countless spiral notebooks listing every feeding, diaper and milestone in the first few months. Thanks to the baby daze organizer, I can ditch the spiral notebooks and easily track feedings and diapers as well as milestones, gifts and sleeping habits. Buy here.

4. Holly Aiken diaper bag. Holly Aiken diaper bags are most notable for what they are not. They are not your typical bag that screams “diapers!” Rather, the hip design and cool, yet functional fabrics are just right for Clever Parents who want to look stylish, but realize that they’re going to be spit-up on, too. Buy here

5. Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad. When I first changed Charles’ diaper when we were out of the house, he voiced his discontent every time the cool air touched his body. So, I was thrilled to see his reaction when I changed him on the Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad. With its memory foam and super soft feel, I can change Charles’ diaper without so much as a whimper. The comfortable surface is just perfect for a newborn baby’s soft skin. Buy here

6. Baby Silk (R) Umbilical Cord Care. This clever product is one part plastic vial of rubbing alcohol, one part cotton swab. Simply break the seal on the vial and the alcohol drips into the cotton tip. Voila! Instant umbilical cord cleaning without having to cart around a bottle of alcohol and a handful of Q-tips. Buy here

7. Chez Ami Saque Set. I love this super soft saque set from Patsy Aiken Designs. Perfect for those first weeks when you need quick access for diaper changes without a lot of snaps or buttons getting in the way, this adorable saque set does the trick in style. The saque set fits easily over Charles’ head and the elastic hem keeps his toes from sticking out and getting chilly. Select from blue, pink or yellow trim. Buy here.

8. Swaddle Designs blankets. Made by a nurse, these oversized blankets are the answer to those of us who are swaddle-challenged. With a cool design and a clever tip tag sewn into the edge, you’ll never have to be shown how to swaddle again. Plus, the blanket doubles as a privacy cover for nursing. Plus, coordinating burp cloths and super-soft lovies, too. Buy here.

9. Secure2Me blanket. Now here’s a clever idea. Take a beautiful blanket, add sewn-in clips on all four corners, and you have a blanket that won’t budge. Use in the stroller, while nursing, over a baby carrier, the options are limitless. Buy here.

10. Stowers Swaddler. Created by Phylana Stowers, a labor and delivery nurse, the Stowers Swaddler takes all of the guess work out of swaddling. Simply position your baby’s feet in the pocket (making sure her head is not covered, of course), wrap the blanket around and secure with the Velcro strip. Instant swaddle! Buy here.

11. Love Me Baby Me Skin Care. With a line boasting smoothy shampoo, creamy cream, butt balm, hair putty and bubbly wash, the Love Me Baby Me line does more than just clean and smell good. The products are “paraben-free, propylene glycol-free, hypoallergenic, pediatrician tested, tear-free and gluten-free.” What I’ve noticed most with Charles, who happens to have very sensitive skin, is that when I use Love Me Baby Me products, his skin has less of a reaction. Plus, I’m confident that I’m not introducing any harsh chemicals onto his sweet newborn skin. Buy here.

12. momAgenda. This clever desk calendar is just the thing to organize all of the meetings, activities and events going on in your family. The week-at-a-view calendar uses a grid format so you can organize your own week as well as your children’s activities (there are spots for up to four children, although I use them for our three children and for my husband’s schedule). There’s also a spot for dinner and the back of the planner includes space for notes, vacation planning, health, fitness, movies, books, gifts and a removable momEssentials address book that you can transfer to next year’s planner. Plus, it comes in five stylish, stain-resistant colors and it fits perfectly in my Holly Aiken diaper bag. Buy here.

13. Pouchee Ultimate Purse Organizer. Easily switch bags without forgetting your essential items with the Pouchee Ultimate Purse Organizer by Day-Timer. The Pouchee is big enough to hold the contents of your wallet, your checkbook, cell phone and make-up, but small enough to fit into most every day handbags and diaper bags. Buy here.