Anyone feel like they need an updated list of essentials for newborn babies? I just had my fourth child three weeks ago, and I still feel lost on what I need and don’t need, so I took to Instagram and asked my super mom friends for their must-have baby products. Even if you aren’t expecting, this is a great list to save for shower gifts!
The Tiny Tracker: St. Louis is full of the most amazing mompreneurs. I met Lauren Rehme Anderson at the Ladue Holiday Mart last December and was blown away by her amazing product, The Tiny Tracker. It is not only a newborn memory book, but also a calendar for tracking feedings, growth and development. It comes with essential parenting tips and won a Babylist award. You can have one custom monogrammed for the perfect shower gift. This beautiful planner for new moms will help you document the sweetest moments and also beat mom brain. I am such a fan.
Rocking Bassinet: I used a simple Moses basket for my first three kids. It worked well for us, but I noticed a lot of my friends getting the SNOO and wondered if I should try one. This last pregnancy, I was given the 4moms Mamaroo bassinet, and it’s wonderful! It’s also less than half the price of the SNOO, but there is an option to rent a SNOO for a more affordable monthly fee. I would say a rocking bassinet definitely makes life easier for a new mom.
Lovevery Play Gym: The hype is real. This mat is so adorable and full of brain stimulating details for your baby.
DockATot: If you only buy one thing, get this. It has been a lifesaver. The DockATot is a flat pillow with sides that your baby can safely lounge, play and have tummy time on. It’s been wonderful; I wish I could buy it for every new mom. They even make a toddler version!
Noodle & Boo: This is the leader in luxury maternity and baby skin care for eczema-prone and sensitive skin. It smells heavenly, and once you try it, you will never go back to your old baby bath products. You can buy locally at Saks Fifth Avenue or online.
BirthStory: I’ve known Ashley Becker for years. She’s a brilliant photographer and tells beautiful stories in all she does. If you want someone to document your birth experience, look no further. She is just a wonderful person! Visit theashleybecker.com.
Maternity Photos with Rae Marcel: I swore I would never do these, but then I got the opportunity to do them with Rae. She’s new in town and, in my opinion, takes maternity to a whole new level. As someone who has never embraced pregnancy, Rae made me feel like a beauty queen, Beyonce style. I highly recommend her. Find her @raemarcel and at raemarcelstudios.com.
Haakaa Breast Pump: Yep, you need it. This will save you hours at the pump. While nursing on one side, you simply attach the HaaKaa to the other side, and it catches all of the milk that would have leaked into a nursing pad. You leave a feeding session with a bottle of milk to store for later use.
Doona Car Seat & Stroller: I have never been one to shell out a lot for a stroller. In fact, I used my first $200 stroller for almost eight years. This is my first time with the Doona stroller, and it’s definitely worth the investment. It is a car seat that pops into a stroller. No more lugging the pumpkin seat, no more adaptors and no more transferring. Even my husband thinks this stroller is amazing and worth the money—that’s saying a lot!
Katelyn Young is a local mom of four (her #crumblycrew) who shares real moments of motherhood as it relates to fashion, food and fun! Follow her on Instagram @_katelynyoung_.