Many of my friends are Mommy's-to-be so I thought I'd share some of the items that got me through these past 7 (already?!) months. Being a fresh Mommy (or Daddy, or guardian) can be quite demanding and exhausting. These items made mine and baby's life much easier and comfortable! 

Most items are linked if you click on the picture. These options may not be the cheapest so I encourage you to hunt around. 

Car Mirror

The moment the nurses tell you that it is time to go home, you worry! Trevor and I thought, "So...we get to go home and be in charge of this tiny human now all by ourselves?" Yes! and the first step is to drive home. I sat in the back with our sweet girl because I'm a Momma and I worry. 

Since we live so far from my family, we do a lot of driving. Having the mirror made my life so much easier. All I have to do is look in my rearview mirror and see my beautiful baby. Is she asleep? I can check! Is she upset because she no longer has her pacifier? I can check! It's super simple to install in your car and brings you peace during those long drives. 

Mine is definitely not that cute, but it gets the job done. 

Snuggle Me Organic

This baby bed was gifted to us and it was the exact thing we didn't know we needed! Phoebe looks so comfy and compact in it. This item is great to have in your bed to ensure your baby is safe. It's easy to pack for trips and is a breeze to clean. I have seen people advertise it as something they set on the couch to keep their newborn close by. Babies feel safe and secure in these beds which helped Phoebe sleep better through the night. 

As you can see, we placed it in her crib because (1) Phoebe loved it, (2) we did not have bumpers on her crib, and (3) she has a bunch of stuffed friends in her crib [especially dinosaurs that like to watch over her].

Rock and Play Sleeper

"The Taco" was essential when Phoebe was younger.  We used it daily for cat naps and hang out time. This sleeper is easy to fold up and pack away. It works great when baby wants to be near you, but you want to move between rooms. It is also helpful if you want your baby in the room with you when you sleep, but not in your bed. 

This was one of the best items we received and yet it wasn't on our registry! A family member gave it to us because they were no longer using it. I am so grateful they did, because this is a must have. 

The one I have linked has the vibration option. Ours did not as it was an older version. 

Swaddling Pouch

Swaddlers! Babies LOVE to be swaddled because it feels safe like the womb. I found these to be much easier than swaddling with a blanket. When you're a fresh parent, you're sleep deprived. You'll thank yourself for making your life that much easier. All you have to do is slide your precious one in there then wrap to the right and wrap to the left. 

4 in 1 Super Seat

"The Flying Saucer Chair"

This was gifted to us as well and  was another item we didn't know we needed. We use this seat ALL DAY EVERYDAY. Phoebe loves to chill in her chair and hang out with me. She plays in her chair and she eats in it as well. 

I was super grateful to be given this item because it helped Phoebe strengthen her muscles so she could sit up on her own. This seat can be strapped to a chair so it can be turned into a high chair when necessary. 

The seat fits in the car and is easy to move around. I take it with us on trips to Grandma and Gramps'. Its usual spot is the couch next to me, but I sometimes put it in her playpen (shown in the picture). I love how easy it is to clean. 

Baby Carrier

This baby carrier is so much easier than lugging around her car seat or pushing around her big stroller. Plus, I get cuddles whenever I want! Phoebe is a very curious and alert baby so facing her out at my level allows her to experience the world in a way she couldn't if she was anywhere else. 

This carrier gets the most use at the grocery store, but it's perfect for almost any outing.

 The only thing missing from this picture...a Baby and Mommy sweatshirt to put over the two of us!

Pacifier Clip

This is a new one! I had been wanting to get one for Phoebe and we finally picked one up. We love it.

Phoebe never had her pacifier when she was being carried (by hand or carrier), or in her stroller in an upright position. We didn't want it to fall on the floor. Well, problem solved. 

This is so much easier for me, and Phoebe loves being in charge of her pacifier. The fact that she chews on the material for the clip is just an added bonus for her. lol

There is no link on this one because I found it at a Costco secondhand store. I cannot find others with the same clip device, but you can find generic pacifier clips at almost any store. 

Teething Gel

Phoebe was pretty much a trooper while she was growing those two teeth. She was fussy for a few days until we tried this gel. It would sooth her gums within 5 minutes of us applying it. SUCH a relief...for Phoebe of course. 

She wasn't really interested in any teething toys, so it was great to find a solution that worked for all of us. You can throw it in your purse, pocket or "go bag."

Whether your baby enjoys teething toys or not, I recommend getting this gel for those late nights. 

Bouncer

We didn't use this as much as the taco because it is bulkier, but it was really great. It bounced on its own and played music. This was a great soother for Phoebe and she seemed very cozy in it when she slept. 

She is too big for the taco now, but she still fits in this. Its great to have for times spent in the kitchen when Phoebe wants to be close. 

It also has a bar that attaches to it so a couple stuffed friends hang down. All it did was frustrate Phoebe because she couldn't reach them so we do not attach it often.

Baby Bath

My baby's first bath was a really stressful occasion for me. I wanted to be so careful, but wasn't sure I liked the idea of a sink bath. Using this baby bath has been so helpful for bath time. There are different settings for reclining. 

I love to use this sideways in the bath because it fits perfectly. This way, I do not have to get in with her and I dont have to strain myself by leaning sideways. 

When you face the bath long ways in the tub, it can scoot back when you readjust your baby. I would either turn it sideways like I do or put a no-slip mat in the tub. Find what works for you!