I’ve always loved babies.  If we went anywhere and there was a baby, you knew exactly where to find me!

While I wouldn’t consider myself an expert, I do have plenty experience in the baby department.  I actually started babysitting when I was about 10.

Then, by the time I was 13, I had a family I was regularly babysitting several times a month.  That same family, when they had their second baby that year, started having me babysit full weekends.  I didn’t mind as they’d drop the two girls off at my house on Friday when I got home from school and pick them back up Sunday evening.    And the best part was that this started when the baby was just 2 weeks old!  So I got to “play mom” for years!

Then, three days after graduating high school, I opened my own home daycare where I cared for up to 13 children.  After that, my husband and I had five of our own kids.  And finally, we are now licensed foster parents and have cared for over 20 foster children in the past two years.  So I do feel like I have a grasp of the topic at least.  However, since everyone has their own preferences and beliefs, some of my must haves may not be yours.  But since I get this question a lot, I thought I’d make this list.

My Top 11 Baby Must Haves

One thing to note, you will not find a baby swing on my list.  I know many people swear by them.  However, it’s a piece I’ve rarely used.  My husband and I took a training class years ago and the specialist highly discouraged them.  She said they lull babies into a “coma-like state” and are not good for development.  So that is why we chose to not utilize that specific piece of equipment.  But on to my list:

1. Comfy Joey Ring Sling – While I did review my very first Comfy Joey Ring Sling, I have purchased more since then!  They are a major must have for me with newborns.  SO comfortable to wear littles in and I love how easy to use they are.  I especially love utilizing when out in public as it keeps baby close to me and deters strangers from touching.
2. Cotton Muslin Swaddle Blankets –  I’m actually not terribly picky on brands for this one as I’ve loved almost every swaddle I’ve used.  But I HIGHLY suggest you get a set of the cotton muslin ones as they are lightweight, airy, and multi-purpose.  I’ve used as a swaddle, regular blanket, carseat cover, nursing cover, and more.
3. Baby Bjorn Soft Bib For When Eating –  Must have for every child for sure!  These bibs are amazing.  They have saved so many outfits.  And it’s amazing how much liquid it can catch when a toddler tips their straw cup!  The best part is that you just wash in the sink with hot soapy water.  I have given these out at almost every baby shower I’ve been to since discovering them!
4. Play Gym & Mat – Now, you’ll hear how important tummy time is.  But did you know that even just “floor time” is important?  It gives babies the freedom to move and stretch!  And a play gym and mat is a must have.  I have used a variety of Tiny Love versions but their newest little Meadow Days one is gender neutral and super cute.
5. Sleeping Baby Zipadee-Zip – Seriously magic!  I’ve used these Zippy Sacks on my own kids as well as foster kids.  They are nothing short of amazing.  They are a swaddle transition so I start using around 2-3 months of age all the way through about 3 years old.  (Although they do make bigger sizes if you want older kids to wear.)
6. Moccasins Or Another Soft Sole Elastic Ankle Shoe – Not only are they cute….HELLO!  They help keep those tiny little socks on.  (Need I say more?)
7. Carseat Cover (Winter) & (Summer) – You can click the winter and summer links to see my favs.  But I 100% love having a carseat cover to shield my kids from the elements.  (To be fair though, I do typically leave the carseat in the car most of the time and just wear baby.  But when I do take the seat with baby out, the covers are nice.)
8. My Baby Bubula Diaper Pail – Nobody wants their home to smell.  And in over 20 years of searching for an easy to use diaper pail that actually works, I finally found it with the My Baby Bubula.  Every home should have one!  My cousin even uses one for her daycare kids and her bathroom never smells like dirty diapers any more.
9. Silly Billyz Premium Toweling Bib – If your baby spits and drools, these are the bibs that work.  They won’t soak through and are super soft against baby’s delicate skin.
10. Bouncer (Like This BABYBJÖRN One) – While I love giving my baby’s floor time, I couldn’t have lived without a bouncer either.  I would utilize this instead of a swing.  It allowed baby to be gently bounced to calm or put them to sleep.  Or they could sit and play at an angle.  (Especially nice for those little ones who spit up a lot or suffer from acid reflux.)
11. Soft Structure Baby Carrier – I wore my babies all the time.  Once they outgrew the Ring Sling for all day wear, I’d switch over to a soft structured carrier.  I could practically do anything when wearing my kids!  It kept my hands free and kids happy.

So what do you think?  Are any of these on your must have list?

Miranda

I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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