Hellobee

When I found out I was pregnant with baby Shake, my thoughts immediately went to “what, if anything, will we need?” I figured, already having had one baby, we wouldn’t need to be buying much. And, for the most part, that was true. But, even after finding out we were to have another boy, I overlooked one fact: Cubby was born in the spring, and baby Shake would be born in the late fall. Fall in Chicago is pretty much winter, and winter often translates to a lot of gear for everyone! Many of our newborn staples stayed the same, but we added a few very helpful things to the mix this time around, as well.

What Worked for Both

 1) Mustela Physiobebe and 2) Foam Shampoo for Newborns: I love this brand, and these two products make up half of my always-have-on-hand Mustela arsenal. The No Rinse Cleansing Fluid is absolutely clutch for keeping your new little sweet pea clean and smelling fresh before their umbilical stump falls off and you bathe them. It’s also helpful for cleaning milk out of sweet little neck rolls and freshening bums after poopy diapers. The Newborn Foaming Shampoo, paired with the hospital scrubby brush, is my little secret for preventing and treating cradle cap—it’s worked wonders for us! As a bonus, one bottle of shampoo lasts seriously forever. We used the same bottle for nearly 18 months (with hair being washed 3-4 times a week). This product team is always included in every baby shower gift I give.

3) Uppababy Vista: If there was ever an inanimate object I could actually have feelings for, it would likely be this stroller. Cubby was a spring baby, and I basically survived the newborn period by walking around our neighborhood, endlessly. I loved feeling the sun and warm air, and Cubby loved laying in the bassinet attachment and watching the trees. It was one of the few things that kept us both calm. Since the Vista bassinet is approved for overnight sleep, we didn’t bother getting another newborn sleeping option, which saved us a buck, too. It also has the world’s most enormous stroller basket (I’ve done entire grocery trips with just this stroller, no cart), and an extendable sun-shade that completely covers the kid. Our car seat snaps right in with adapters, as well, making this a completely versatile stroller. I haven’t used it much with baby Shake yet (15 degrees isn’t exactly strolling weather), but I know it’ll continue to get a ton of use. I’ll admit that I have major envy for the 2015 Vista and its multiple seat configurations, but I could never regret our purchase—especially since we got it for nearly half price because the color was being discontinued.

4)  Aden & Anais Swaddle Blankets: This cult favorite is a no brainer. We have a ton, and they are so durable, wash well and have a myriad of uses, ranging from car seat cover to nursing cover to playmat. With an older toddler around, the baby sometimes needs to be put down anywhere; it’s been so helpful to have plenty of these around to put down before laying baby Shake on the floor to play. I’m sure there’s at least one in every room in our house, and perhaps a few random ones laying around the hallways and bathrooms.

5) Coconut Oil: For sensitive newborn skin, and dry, parched new mama skin, this is a must. I bring a small jar with me to the hospital, and from day one, it works great as a diaper cream, body lotion, nipple cream, face cream, etc. I keep the large Kirkland Organic Coconut Oil tub in the kitchen and scoop it out into smaller mason jars as needed.

Amazon Prime: I can’t really remember life before Prime, and I’m not sure I want to. My husband regularly teases me for using it so much, but it is so. much. easier. than going to 5 different stores for 5 different things, especially with kids in tow. I save so much on diapers by using subscribe & save, and love that I can order whatever we need (wipes, shoes, toys, books) at the exact moment I think of it (because you know your mental list is not going to make it to your next shopping trip) and have it on my doorstep in two days.

What Worked for the Second

6) Woombie: With Cubby, we went through a ton of different types of swaddles (a post on our swaddling adventures to come) and wraps in our vain efforts to help him sleep longer stretches. He didn’t sleep through the night until he was 18 months old, and as it turns out, it had nothing to do with swaddles. This time, we skipped swaddles with Shake until he was a bit older; he didn’t seem to need them. As he discovered his limbs and became more awake, we resorted back to the swaddles to help his sleep. Since he’s bigger than Cubby was at his age, a lot of what we had didn’t fit. On whim, I bought the Woombie thinking the zipper function would be useful, and it’s been working like a charm. The two-way zipper makes night changes easy, and the cozy, peanut shape gives Shake enough wiggle room to move his limbs, but is secure enough to not wake him if he startles or jerks in his sleep. I quickly ordered a second (yes, Prime), so I’d always have a clean one on hand.

7) 7 AM Enfant Cocoon: Expecting a winter baby and knowing thick baby buntings would be out of the question in a car seat, I did a lot of research to find a solid, safe option. This cocoon has lived up to the rave. It’s easy to use, easy to wash, and, when paired with a folded muslin blanket, keeps our little peanut warm and cozy in his car seat when we’re out and about (which, with an older child, is all the time).

8) Zutano Booties: These adorable booties have been clutch for our winter newborn. They are super soft, very warm, well made and wash nicely. As a major plus, they are super secure and have never fallen off! The sizes run very small, as a disclaimer. The 3-month size fit Shea as a newborn, and he’s in the 6 month size now, as a 2.5 month old.

9) Angelcare Bath Support: With two little ones, knocking out bathtime in a 2-for-1 motion is key. With Shake still a newborn, I needed a reclining seat for him in the tub that still left room for Cubby to splash and play as usual. Though this seat is not entirely foolproof (with newborns, you still need at least one hand on them at all times to be safe), it’s been helpful in getting bathtime done together. Cubby loves when the baby joins him in the tub and I love being able to spend time with both of them together.

10) Solly Wrap: This has been a lifesaver. I typically only baby-wore my first on outings. This time, however, I find myself wearing baby all the time. It’s more likely that Shake will nap when being worn, and it leaves me two free hands to prep dinner, fold laundry, feed myself (sorry for the crumbs on your head sweet Shake!), and build various sized farms with Big Brother. The Solly wrap is thin and breathable, and so, I find it great for indoor use. It folds up nice and small for traveling, too!