Newborn: These are a few of my favorite things...

Previously on my blog, I listed some registry items that other moms had recommended.  Now it's time for me to post my favorite things and what we have been using most during the newborn phase.  The pricing/store isn't necessarily a recommendation of where to buy these things, I just included the information to give a general price.  Also, I look forward to posting more of my favorite things as we continue to move through new stages, here's where we are at 6-weeks!

The Boppy Newborn Lounger

(Target $29)

This has been one of our very favorite items when it comes to baby gear.  It is easy to move around the house, I've used it in the kitchen while I'm fixing lunch, or the bathroom while I'm running bath water.  For all of you co-sleepers, we were able to put it in our bed during the first week to set her above us.  I continue to set it in her bassinet to add some extra cushion.

The Boppy Nursing Pillow

($26.99 Babies R Us / $10.99 Slipcover)

A friend of mine passed hers onto me a few weeks after Lelu was born, and it has made a world of difference with nursing.  It supports your back and arms, while giving baby a bit more comfort too!

Hooter Hider

(Amazon.com $24.34)

This has been a must-have when it comes to nursing in public. It allows air to flow while keeping the privacy.  I found mine at a baby consignment store for $10 (Upsie Daizy, OKC), but it's definitely worth the full price if you are a mom that is out and about.

Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather

($15.99 Target)

I nabbed this seat just last week right before Lelu reached five weeks.  It folds up (with a little difficulty) but is easy to transport and store.  I have used it in the bathtub, shower, and poolside. Very versatile!

Aden and Anais (Bamboo) Swaddles

($39.95 for three at Amazon)

Several moms recommended these swaddle blankets, and there is a huge difference between the regular ones and the bamboo.  We like both, but if you are able to spend a little extra, the bamboo material is ultra soft for baby!

Kiddopotamus Snuzzler

($11.90 Amazon)

This is a bit of a luxury item, but has been really nice with our 6 lb. baby.  It gives her head and entire body extra support in her infant seat.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep

($26.69 Target)

I've talked to other moms who concur that sleep sounds is a helpful way to soothe a baby.  We love our sleep sheep because it can snuggle close and has a few different sounds to choose from.

One a side note:  The Sleep Stream 2 Iphone app has been a good one to use on the bedside table!

Fisher Price Nature's Touch Swing

By the third week, Lelu loved her swing.  It continues to keep her occupied for a few hours, a nice break!  My sister-in-law passed ours onto us, and if possible, I think it's a good option to borrow a swing, buy a used one (Upsie Daizy), or get it handed down.  It's a short-lived phase, but a good one at that!

Hotsling Baby Sling

A friend of mine gave me this sling, and we use it all of the time.  However, I'm not sure the differences in brands, this one works just fine for us.  Slings are another item that I would recommend borrowing, getting a hand-me-down, or buying used--only because not all moms and babies don't prefer them.

Okkatots Backpack Diaper Bag

($79.99 Amazon)

One of my mom friends recommended a back pack diaper back, and I second her recommendation!  We registered for this one, and absolutely love the hands-free aspect and compartments.  It comes with a travel fold-out diaper changing pad, which I have used frequently.  I would say you could probably use any back pack, it wouldn't have all of the organizational pockets, but would work just the same!

Hygeia Breast Pump

($229.95 Amazon)

I registered for this at the Green Bambino, and it has worked very well for me.  I was informed that it has less mold issues than some other breast pump brands and is more conducive to passing along to another person.  After talking to another mom who breastfed her baby for a year, she said she wishes she would have invested in a new pump.  Other moms I've visited with who breastfeed for a shorter amount of time were fine with borrowing or buying used.

Munchkin Bottle Warmer

(Amazon $29.99)

This bottle warmer has worked great for us, here's a tidbit of information to consider:

"When you're ready to feed your baby, you can warm a bottle in a bowl of warm - not hot or boiling - water, or by running it under the tap. You can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.  Never use a microwave to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula. Since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns. It can also cause nutrients to break down." -BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Bra

($22.00 for two at Target)

If you're nursing, it is extremely beneficial to have nursing tanks and bras available to wear.  These are some of my favorite items I found at Target, they have been great for the summer and come in various colors.

Breast Feeding Bra

($26.21-$33.99 Amazon)

So it looks really strange, and feels just as freaky, but this bra is worth every awkward moment in it.  It is really hard to double pump while holding the bottles, and this bra works wonders.