8 Must Have Baby Products

We've encountered all sorts of tips and advice on getting the rights things to help with our upcoming lifestyle transition. We've had family and friends offer advice and we've also done our fair share of reading books, magazines, and web articles. I stumbled upon this short list of must have items that seemed to make a lot sense. What do you all think?

1. A Great Sling. My staff and I all wear slings throughout the day. When one of our babies is fussy, we pop them into our sling and continue our tasks, because slings are instant baby soothers. We don’t just carry plain slings; we have satins, Chinese dragons, ultra soft fleece, and beautiful prints. Trust me, getting the stroller in and out of the trunk, then carrying the infant seat, diaper bag, and baby is a lot of work. Wearing a sling in the grocery store, mall, or even in the kitchen while washing dishes is much easier. They will save you time, spare your back from the pain of lifting and holding, and are proven to make your baby happier.
   
   
2. Body Wash for You and Your Baby. Your baby will be teething on you and near you, and babies have very sensitive skin. To avoid skin allergies and save time, you should wash with the same body wash as your baby.
   
   
3. Quality Cotton Pajamas. We only carry 200 thread count or higher for layette items because a baby's skin is so fragile. Rather than having fifty cheap nightgowns that you wash once a week, it makes more sense to have five great nightgowns and do laundry every three days. Better quality cotton also won't stain as easily as cheap cotton.
   
   
4. A Stylish, Functional Diaper Bag. I cringe when I hear the words “unisex diaper bag.” To be honest, you, the new mother, will be carrying the diaper bag most of the time, so you should get a great bag for yourself. Get a bag that matches your sense of style, not the sex of the baby. If you think dad will want to lug baby’s gear around, get two different diaper bags.
   
   
5. Quality Crib Bedding. There should be three things you look for in bedding: quality, universality, and neutral décor. I recommend more than 200 thread count sheets, and try to steer away from polyester. Quality is so important because the sheets need to hold up through repeated loads of laundry. You will be washing the sheets and blankets two to three times a week. There are sets available that can be used for a boy or a girl and are reversible. You want the set to last for two to four years while the child grows into the toddler bed.
   
   
6. Cloth Wipes and Cloth Diapers. You can use cloth diapers after bath time and before bed to give your baby a chance to "air out". Cloth wipes that are washable and reusable are not only economical, but also great for the environment. At the boutique, we buy from home-based businesses that specialize in flannel wipes that are incredible soft, stain resistant, and easy to launder.
   
   
7. Splurge on Nursing Bras and Support Garments. Your body will need the support postpartum. I always advise women to have great cotton spandex blend underpants and tank tops for the first couple of weeks after birth for it does make a difference as your postpartum body readjusts.
   
   
8. Time with Your New Family. What often works best for new families is designating time every day for visitors. You need time alone with your new family to get accustomed to having your baby at home, develop a schedule, and just plain rest! Don't worry about offending your relatives and friends; your baby is the most important person at this moment. Spend your time holding your baby, and loving him or her. Eighteen years from now, you will not regret that private time.

- Marko