Mommy & Baby Must Haves: 0-6 Months!

Wow my little man is nearly six months old! I can't believe I have had the pleasure of being a mommy for half a year already! Or how much life has changed! I mean I suck boogers out of my little guy's nose with. my. mouth (more on that later)! I remember scouring over tons of mommy blogs, Pinterest boards, and YouTube videos, trying to figure out what kind of parent I wanted to be, what I needed to buy, etc. I made lists, and lists, and more lists, of what I NEEDED. Turns out I didn't need a butt wipe warmer, water wipes are being recalled because they have a dangerous bacteria in them, and Aaron had his own preferences - go figure! Either way I know that as moms we want what is best for our babies, and the nesting phase won't let up until we just have everything perfect. Honestly I still stay up at night researching more baby things - so I compiled a list of the stuff I ACTUALLY did use - over these last few months! I hope this helps all the mamas out there like me! 

1. Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle Blankets - I recommend these to anyone having a baby that will listen to me! They are worth all of the hype for sure. They are stretchy, thin, and breathable- perfect for swaddling baby during warmer months - These saved our lives when our AC broke, and Aaron would not sleep unless swaddled. I also use them as car seat covers, breastfeeding covers, to lay out for diaper changes, and for snuggles :)
2. Mini Arc Co-Sleeper- All of the benefits of sleeping next to your baby minus all of the hazards - enough said. 
3. Medela Symphony BreastPump or  Medela Lactina Select Breastpump- Being a NICU mom meant that I had to pump my breasts if I wanted Aaron to have breast milk exclusively, and that I was able to try both hospital grade breast pumps, and a cheaper alternative provided by my insurance (most insurances provide one of some kind - fight for a Medela!). I have been able to maintain my milk supply for 6 months despite having Aaron in the hospital for half of it, and I credit these pumps!
4. Dr. Brown's Bottles - These are the best for babies with gas and re-flux!
5. Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags - These bags make sanitizing your bottles, and even small plastic toys so easy! Just throw them in the bag, add 2 oz. of water and put them in the microwave for 3 minutes! And you can take them with you everywhere!
6. Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads -If you are breastfeeding, YOU NEED THESE IN YOUR LIFE! Trust me!
7. Boppy Pillow- A registry must have and my go to babyshower gift! I used this for breastfeeding in the early months, and still use it now for tummy time, supported sitting, and to hold Aaron elevated to keep acid re-flux from getting him. 
8. Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier- Aaron won't go anywhere without his binky, he has loved it since day 1, and I feel good knowing it is BPA free, and doesn't accumulate moldy water in the back like other cute pacifiers do.
9. NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator- This is by far my favorite thing on this list. Aaron can not afford to have any boogers in his nose, and this lets me control the suction to make sure I get all of his boogies out. It has a filter guys- don't worry!
10. Slimming/girdle style underwear - Yes there is underwear on this list. That is because one does not walk out of the hospital with a baby in hand and a flat stomach. I believe I was asked when I was due three days after Aaron was born! Many people recommend the belly bandit, but I found it bulky, uncomfortable, and obvious. A tight fitting, high waisted/girdle style under wear sucked everything in, helped my mommy tummy go down (got a smaller size every week to keep tightening) AND I felt good about myself!

1. Timi and Leslie Diaper Bag- I love that these diaper bags don't look like diaper bags! They are huge, have different compartments to put diapers, bottles, changing pads etc., and stylish!I get tons of compliments on this bag!
2. Humidifier- These are a must for the colder months, and when baby is sick and congested. We had ours on every night when Aaron was having a lot of breathing issues, and will turn it back on when it gets colder again. It also helped with my allergies so it is a win-win!
3. Moby Wrap - I am a huge believer in baby wearing! Babies love feeling close and protected by mom, and mom gets to bond with baby while having hands free to do other things. I almost always wear Aaron when we are out and about because I find it way easier than lugging the stroller around, and I get to play with his feet and kiss his little head while grocery shopping or walking around the mall! 
4. Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym Play Mat
5. Coconut Oil- It is all the rage and has been for a couple of years, and there are even more reasons to love it! This 6 dollar bottle of coconut oil prevented stretchmarks from my huge preggo belly, cured Aaron's cradle cap overnight (just apply at night and brush head in morning before washing it out), is great on any dry spots or irritation on his body, removes my makeup, and conditions my hair! Do yourself a favor and get yourself a bottle- they last forever!You can also make a natural vapor rub with it that is baby safe- recipe coming soon!
6. Jumperoo - A dear friend gave us one of these, and it is Aaron's current favorite hangout! He will listen to the Grease soundtrack, or preschool songs and jump away for nearly an hour! I love it because 1) It allows me to get stuff done and 2) Has strengthened Aaron's leg muscles a ton! This is something we were worried about because he spent so much time in the hospital, but after a few days of use I saw great improvement! :)
7. Baby Bullet - It is a lot more work to make your own baby food, but it is actually pretty easy! And there is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing him munch happily on nutritious, preservative free, organic food that I made!
8. Plum Organics Baby Food - When I don't have access to a particular food that I want Aaron to try, or need something fast and travel friendly to take with us to his swallow and eating therapy, I just use one of these organic, single ingredient packets. Aaron loves their sweet peas!
9. Diaper Genie- Speaking of solids..... I could have gone without the Diaper Genie the first few months, but let's be honest solids poop stinks! This diaper pail really does take care of the smell, and I like that there is a designated trashcan for his diapers.
10. Sophie the Giraffe - There is a reason that Sophie is on every modern mama's registry list... it isn't just because she is cute- babies love them! Aaron didn't show much interest in her until he started teething, but now she is his favorite toy. He really likes munching on her ears, and hearing her squeak!  
11. Dribble Bibs - Now that Aaron is teething, he is also drooling. A LOT. I love how cute and stylish dribble bibs look on little boys! I got mine at H&M, but I have seen a large selection on Etsy, and plan to make a few of my own!
12. Baby Toothbrush- I don't have a specific toothbrush for babies that I like, any soft silicone brush will do. I just want to make sure I start taking care of Aaron's teeth early! My mom always did, and to this day I have never had a cavity. I hope to do the same for Aaron - thanks mom!
13. Zoli Bot Cup and the Playtex Training Time Straw Cup -  Speech therapists and dentists alike do not recommend the use of sippy cups, as they can lead to speech delays, lisps, tooth decay, and the need for braces. Both of these cups train babies to go from bottle drinking to straw drinking, are BPA free, and dishwasher safe!Aaron is already getting the hang of it, and I can see how proud he is of himself!
14. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - If you follow my blog or Instagram you have heard me talk about this eye cream. I typically don't even like eye creams, and think they are a waste of money.  I just repurchased this one, and that says a lot. The entire time we were in the hospital this helped me look a little more alive, and I am still using it everyday! Highly recommend this for new moms!

I forgot to add this cuddley blanket! Aaron loves it!

I hope this loooong list helps you out! And PLEASE leave any of your MUST Haves as a comment, I am interested in what everyone else is using! Thank you for reading :)