5 Unique Products I Wish I Had for My Newborn
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
You might feel overwhelmed as you navigate the endless product recommendations and decide what to add to your baby registry.
When I was in your shoes, I referred to the Babylist registry as my guide. However, I missed out on some extremely helpful products for my newborn. That’s not to say Babylist wasn’t an asset for me; however, it is crucial to use multiple sources during your research.
I’m not going to bother listing the usual items (diapers, crib, etc.), so I’ve created a list of 5 unique products I wish I had when my newborn arrived. Here are the products I recommend you check out:
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1. Moses basket
A Moses basket is a cute little basket that can hold your newborn.
Not only do Moses baskets add aesthetic charm to your nursery and baby photos, but they have a load of other benefits as well:
- They serve as a point of reference for sleeping. This means they will foster predictability as your baby orients themselves in the environment.
- You can move them from room to room and outside easier, which allows your baby to nap in a cozy environment anywhere. I’ve seen moms bring them to the beach. What a great way for your baby to enjoy a new setting!
- Your baby can feel more secure napping in a smaller space.
- You can keep the baby in the basket on your bed while you sleep if you prefer to co-sleep. That way you can easily comfort and nurse them.
- Moses baskets are typically built with more natural materials than cribs.
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2. Montessori mobiles
There are four different Montessori mobiles: The Munari, The Octahedron, The Gobbi, and The Dancers.
These mobiles are beautiful and you can hang them above your baby’s play area, changing table, and anywhere else you commonly place your baby (except for their sleeping area).
My 4-month-old is loving this mobile from the Looker play kit by Lovevery. The mobile has Montessori principles in mind and I wish I had more to hang in different areas around my apartment.
Here’s why I recommend Montessori mobiles over traditional mobiles:
- Montessori mobiles are designed with a baby’s visual development in mind. The Munari starts with high-contrast black-and-white images. After that, The Octahedron introduces different colours for the baby to observe. From there, the baby can look at The Gobbi and The Dancers for more complex shapes.
- You can hang them as wall decorations when the baby no longer uses them.
- They don’t require electricity or batteries but move gently with the air current.
- They aren’t overstimulating. Often, traditional mobiles play music and reduce a baby's ability to concentrate on the visuals.
- They allow the baby to enjoy something visually attractive.
- They help with a baby’s gross and fine motor skills.
- They are also a great point of reference.
3. Bassinet stroller or a stroller with a bassinet attachment
I had no idea bassinet strollers such as the StrollAir CosmoS Single Stroller with Reversible Seat and Bassinet and the Uppababy - Vista V2 Stroller existed! How embarrassing! They provide babies with a cozier environment and that’s not all:
- You can feel guilt-free knowing that your newborn is lying flat on their back rather than buckled into a car seat when you go on longer walks or run errands. I felt terrible every time I'd go out for an errand that lasted up to an hour. Researchers show that parents shouldn't keep their babies in an incline position too long.
- Lying flat is better for your little one's head, spine, and hip development and allows free movement of the legs and arms.
- They're usually smaller than other strollers and more suitable for errands and public transportation.
- They align with the American Academy of Pediatrics’s recommendations. The Academy highlights that parents shouldn't allow their baby to sleep in sitting devices. Some babies tend to fall asleep on walks!
- They are more supportive of a baby’s respiratory system.
- You can purchase a stand for some bassinet stroller attachments. This means that you can use the attachment for strolling and your baby's bedtime. Gotta love two-in-one items!
4. Topponcino
I learned about topponcinos in a book called The Montessori Baby by Simone Davies and Junnifa Uzodike.
A topponcino is a type of pillow that we can use for holding a baby during their first few months and helps them adapt to their new environment. If you’re feeling crafty, you can make one following this tutorial.
Here’s why I wish I had one when my baby was a newborn:
- It's a great point of reference because it can carry the scent of the baby and their immediate family members. Mamas should sleep with the topponcino before their baby arrives so the baby can smell a familiar scent!
- It offers a gentler way to pass the baby from one family or friend to another. A softer touch prevents overstimulation.
- It can prevent the newborn from surprise changes in temperature, scent, and touch.
5. Lovevery Play Gym
I found out about the Lovevery toy kits through an ad while scrolling through Facebook. By then, I already had the Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym, so I didn’t think it would be wise to spend money on another one (I did jump on the play kits, though).
The activity gym by Skip Hop is lovely - my baby adores it. However, the Lovevery company makes products using natural materials. Their gym offers a lot in particular:
- It has five developmental zones, sets of cards, four activity toys, and a play space cover, and it even includes a guide for parents to use.
- It’s absolutely beautiful!
Conclusion
I recommend doing your research on what products may benefit you and your newborn. I neglected this step before my baby came along, and boy, do I regret it. In addition to the items listed above, other products might resonate with your specific needs and preferences. Don’t let any list be the end all be all!
While it's natural to feel overwhelmed while preparing for a new baby, it's more important for you and your baby to be happy and healthy. Focus on what's best for both of you!
Here's a FREE pregnancy guide that includes a bonus baby prep checklist. Be prepared for your baby and check off items from the checklist!
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