I am winding down my last month as a mother of two. Soon, there will be a new babe in tow…and all that goes with him or her. If motherhood has taught me anything, it’s that babies have A TON of stuff. If being a mother three times over has taught me anything…it’s that babies don’t actually need half of the “must haves.”
Jace and Zoey were born so close together that I hadn’t really gotten rid of most of Jace’s things by the time that I was pregnant with Zo (14 months later) so I dodged repurchasing a lot of things. Actually, this will probably haunt Zoey for the rest of her life, because she will continue to inherit her brother’s hand-me-downs ummmm… forever. Unless I win the lottery, and actually even that probably wouldn’t save her.
This baby however, will have four years between it and Zoey. Yes, I know I should have done this sooner. Yes, I worry about it all the time. I saved some baby stuff, because I always said I wanted one more… but definitely nothing like I had stocked up for Zoey. Therefore, this baby is requiring some new purchases. That I have inevitably put off until the very very end.
Come Baby 3 however, I definitely know the items that I really want (my ACTUAL must haves) and those that I certainly do not need. I find myself requiring far less than I thought I needed with Jace. Seriously, babies grow SO fast and yet we tell ourselves that infants need so many things. It’s just not true. So maybe this list will be helpful to you if you are having your first baby and you feel like you’re drowning in pretty Pinterest nurseries and target ads. Or maybe you’re just curious to see what a 3x mommy considers “the necessities.”
Either way… here we go. The only things I won’t go without come Baby 3.
Fisher Price Rock N Play
This thing saved my life with Zoey. It was gifted to me by a good friend, and Zoey slept in it until she was like 7 months old. I’ve heard some people say that you shouldn’t let your kids sleep in them all night…but it was all she would sleep in and I never had any problems. I mean, she spent a good chunk of time in bed with me as well… but whenever she would allow me some personal space… it was thanks to this guy.
Vera Bradley Diaper Bag
I seriously love my Vera diaper bag. I’ve had the cheap kind, and they would fall apart so quickly. Zoey’s diaper bag survived YEARS of abuse and then is still perfectly usable. I haven’t needed a diaper bag for about two years now, but whenever I need a bigger bag (as opposed to my purse) for the kiddos stuff, I still reach for this. You can even wash them! My old one is definitely still usable, but I think I’ll opt for the backpack version this time. Ya know… ALL THE FREE HANDS for 3 kids. haha!
Medela Pump in Style
I cannot stress to mommas that want to breastfeed enough, how important a good pump is. I know the price tag is appalling (although some insurance companies cover them now.) But there is just no comparison between a high quality breast pump and a $100 one. None. Just plan for this to be one of your big purchases. WELL worth it. One will likely last you ALL of your children. Considering how much a working and breastfeeding mom uses this item, that’s saying something about the quality. I love my Medela.
On that note; opt for the storage as well. 😉
Baby Sleep Sack
These are just jammies… but they’re amazeballs. Newborns are tiny, and curly. And new moms are tired. Like, real tired. All of those footie jammies are to die for adorable, but those curled up legs just don’t cooperate with them and 2, 4, and 6am when you’re so tired you probably couldn’t put pants on yourself. These have arm holes and giant zip up sacks to keep baby’s curly legs warm. LOVED them for all 3 of my kids.
Tula Baby Carrier
I personally have not even used one of these yet. But it is hands down the thing I am most excited about!! Also, I can’t wait to watch my husband wear our baby. #momporn Don’t act like you don’t know.
Baby Swing
Okay, you could probably do without one of these. But I definitely used mine for Jace and Zo. And they’ve come a long way since my old one! Now they seriously are bouncers AND swings at once?! Genius. Also, there are many less bulky options now. Also cool.
Nursing Bra + Coconut Oil
Yes, these two items belong together. Coconut oil is a raw nipple’s best friend. Self explanatory and au natural. You’re welcome.
And seriously… that’s it. I mean, I have to invest in another carseat (but I’m a carseat freak mom and that could be an entire post in itself.) But those are the only things I’m really making sure to have for this baby in the next couple weeks. We haven’t even put up the crib. I know I know…but we just moved and honestly…none of my kids slept in their cribs until months after they were born. Since we’re renting this house… we’ll likely be moving again before Baby 3 turns one. I’ll probably try to avoid putting up the crib all together. haha!
So that’s our theme with Babe #3; simplicity. I totally understand if you enjoy the plethora of baby accessories available to you instead. I went hard with Jace. The kid had everything. So I understand that too.
SHOP THE POST
How about you, mommas? Are you an ALL THE GADGETS type mom, or just the bare necessities? I’ve been both. 😉
Congrats on baby #3! I’ll have to return to this when my fiancé and I decide to have kids in a few years! 🙂
This is a great list!! The bouncer was essential for baby #1 and #2 is now using it at 5 months old
Yes, we loved our bouncer for the first two. But, I found that I had too many “sitting toys!” Swing, Rock n Play, bouncer, exersaucer… so I tried to narrow it down! haha
Congrats on baby #3! I’ll have to return to this when my fiancé and I decide to have kids in a few years! 🙂
Thank you! Come back anytime. 🙂
This is a great list!! The bouncer was essential for baby #1 and #2 is now using it at 5 months old
Yes, we loved our bouncer for the first two. But, I found that I had too many “sitting toys!” Swing, Rock n Play, bouncer, exersaucer… so I tried to narrow it down! haha
So helpful! I’m pregnant with #1 and due at the end of February. I have absolutely no idea what is ‘necessary’ as I feel like having babies has just turned into a giant business (of sorts). I think I was probably most ??? about was the sleep sacks, but I think you maybe just sold me on them! I’m definitely going to get a baby swing/bouncer as well!
Aw, im so glad! It definitely is a “giant business.” New moms are unique revenue source for sure! Girl, the sleeping sacks are the bomb. Get one, you’ll never go back.
So helpful! I’m pregnant with #1 and due at the end of February. I have absolutely no idea what is ‘necessary’ as I feel like having babies has just turned into a giant business (of sorts). I think I was probably most ??? about was the sleep sacks, but I think you maybe just sold me on them! I’m definitely going to get a baby swing/bouncer as well!
Aw, im so glad! It definitely is a “giant business.” New moms are unique revenue source for sure! Girl, the sleeping sacks are the bomb. Get one, you’ll never go back.
No crazy baby things for experienced moms. My list was short and used/gifted were the best things I received/used. My first had nothing but new items and that’s cringe worthy now.
I will say, a wipe warmer is a must to make diaper changes less dramatic.
People have recommended wipe warmers to me every pregnancy! Then I always forget and I guess my kids just get used to cold wipes. haha. Your new edition is gorg!!! <3
No crazy baby things for experienced moms. My list was short and used/gifted were the best things I received/used. My first had nothing but new items and that’s cringe worthy now.
I will say, a wipe warmer is a must to make diaper changes less dramatic.
People have recommended wipe warmers to me every pregnancy! Then I always forget and I guess my kids just get used to cold wipes. haha. Your new edition is gorg!!! <3
This is a great list. I haven’t had my own kids yet, so some of these I wouldn’t know unless an experienced mama told me, but as a nanny I can also recognize some of the best stuff to get. I am really thankful for that because I think it is helping prepare me for that day. That whole nursing kit seems like a pretty cool setup!
I am SURE that being a nanny is good preparation for you!
This is a great list. I haven’t had my own kids yet, so some of these I wouldn’t know unless an experienced mama told me, but as a nanny I can also recognize some of the best stuff to get. I am really thankful for that because I think it is helping prepare me for that day. That whole nursing kit seems like a pretty cool setup!
I am SURE that being a nanny is good preparation for you!
Yes to all of these! I’m a new mom (my son is 3.5 months old) and I have all of the things… we definitely fell into the “NEED EVERYTHING NOW” trap. We still definitely use our rock n play though, even though he’s getting kinda cramped and long for it but I use it to set him down for a sec if I have to run to the bathroom. He sleeps in his crib now, thankfully!
Yes! With my son I basically had a baby store set up shop in his room. I think thats just how it goes. haha. And omgosh. My daughter slept in her rock n play until she was like 7 or 8 months old. I had to strap her into it at night for my own piece of mind, but she seriously loved that thing. She didn’t sleep in her own bed until she was one. #breastfeedingprobs! Enjoy all that space in your own bed!
Yes to all of these! I’m a new mom (my son is 3.5 months old) and I have all of the things… we definitely fell into the “NEED EVERYTHING NOW” trap. We still definitely use our rock n play though, even though he’s getting kinda cramped and long for it but I use it to set him down for a sec if I have to run to the bathroom. He sleeps in his crib now, thankfully!
Yes! With my son I basically had a baby store set up shop in his room. I think thats just how it goes. haha. And omgosh. My daughter slept in her rock n play until she was like 7 or 8 months old. I had to strap her into it at night for my own piece of mind, but she seriously loved that thing. She didn’t sleep in her own bed until she was one. #breastfeedingprobs! Enjoy all that space in your own bed!
All great items! I had the majority of these for both of my babies! I love my Ergo — my first daughter wasn’t so much a fun but my second one loves it and she’s seven months!
All great items! I had the majority of these for both of my babies! I love my Ergo — my first daughter wasn’t so much a fun but my second one loves it and she’s seven months!
I was debating between the Tula and the Ergo! They both have great reviews.
Good luck with babe #3! Love that Vera Bradley bag.
Thank you! Im obsessed!
Good luck with babe #3! Love that Vera Bradley bag.
Thank you! Im obsessed!
My baby is 17 years old so it has been some time since I purchased these types of things for myself. It was really fin to see the latest and greatest and inform my decisions for baby gifts as my nieces and nephews move into that area of their lives.
Great post! Love the tip about the coconut oil 😀
haha. thanks! Coconut oil is for EVERYTHING!
My baby is 17 years old so it has been some time since I purchased these types of things for myself. It was really fin to see the latest and greatest and inform my decisions for baby gifts as my nieces and nephews move into that area of their lives.
Aw, thanks! Im glad you could find some value here anyhow. I feel like my son will be 17 before I know it!
Great post! Love the tip about the coconut oil 😀
haha. thanks! Coconut oil is for EVERYTHING!
I can’t believe how much has changed in 14 years! Then again, things changed a year after my son was born. lol
I can’t believe how much has changed in 14 years! Then again, things changed a year after my son was born. lol
Things have seriously changed a lot since my first born, and he’s only 6!
Yes, I’ve learned with three children you definitely need to keep it simple ;-).
Good luck in the homestretch and with the birth of your baby!!
Yes, I’ve learned with three children you definitely need to keep it simple ;-).
Good luck in the homestretch and with the birth of your baby!!
Thank you! And so so true. 🙂
Oh my gosh I could have used this post months ago before I had my first baby. I definitely got a lot of things for Mason and am finding that certain things I use all the time like his boppy pillow and others he doesn’t really like, like his halo bassinet. He only likes to sleep in it during the day and for short periods of time. I’m hoping as he gets a little older, he’s only 6 weeks old now, that he’ll get used to it!
xo, Laura
http://www.have-need-want.com
Yes! A couple people have mentioned that I left off the boppy! That DEFINITELY should have made the list, I’ve just had one for so long and I totally forgot that not everyone has one! haha
Oh my gosh I could have used this post months ago before I had my first baby. I definitely got a lot of things for Mason and am finding that certain things I use all the time like his boppy pillow and others he doesn’t really like, like his halo bassinet. He only likes to sleep in it during the day and for short periods of time. I’m hoping as he gets a little older, he’s only 6 weeks old now, that he’ll get used to it!
xo, Laura
http://www.have-need-want.com
Yes! A couple people have mentioned that I left off the boppy! That DEFINITELY should have made the list, I’ve just had one for so long and I totally forgot that not everyone has one! haha
Wow! You certainly are a busy and experience mama! I’m so impressed with how you do it all and keep up blogging with amazing posts like this! Super woman here! Great list! I especially love the Vera Bradley bag!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
haha. Thanks Molly! I love following your blog! I’m not surprised that you love the bag. ;P
Wow! You certainly are a busy and experience mama! I’m so impressed with how you do it all and keep up blogging with amazing posts like this! Super woman here! Great list! I especially love the Vera Bradley bag!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
haha. Thanks Molly! I love following your blog! I’m not surprised that you love the bag. ;P