Are you unsure about what things you’ll actually need for your baby?

I was unsure too. So here’s a list of things I bought after my baby was born that I use everyday.

While you’re looking for products for your baby. Make sure you do your research and establish what you actually want to get from these products and what you’re interested prior to buying them. For instance, baby clothes. They might look super cute, but let’s be real. Babies grow insanely fast. And the cute newborn or 0-3 outfit you want, won’t last very long.

I was super blessed and had two baby showers. One from both me and my partners families and the other one from all my coworkers. We received tons of diapers and wipes that we still have in stock at home four months later. But we also received a lot of cute outfits for baby that we really didn’t get to put him in.

So here’s five things you might actually need for you baby that you might not have received at your baby shower.

1. Nail Clippers

Baby nail clippers are a must and so practical when bringing your new baby home. I use the Safety 1st mail clippers but there’s so many options for baby and it’s truly your preference!

2. Pacifier Clips

Traveling with baby, it’s easy to forget things, and the one you do not want to forget is baby’s pacifier. Been there done that. Those little things get lost so easily and that’s one of those things you don’t want to lose while you’re out with baby. There’s tons of options online depending on your budget and they’re so cute! There are also options with silicone teething clips. I love those!

3. Car Mirror

This is a great investment to make especially for the first solo car ride with baby. It brings both you and baby comfort if baby doesn’t like the car rides. I travel with my baby at least twice a day and this has saved my life. It gives you a piece of mind that you can check on baby safely.

4. Laundry Detergent

When I did my research on detergent, a lot of people said to use the baby fragrance free detergent. So I bought a bottle of Dreft on a trip to Ollie’s and I was highly disappointed. I ended up not using the detergent after one use because I didn’t like the reaction my baby was getting from it. Babies are already super sensitive , it’s their first few weeks of life so giving them the best products that’s safe for their skin is important. After my trial with Dreft, I ended up using Tide Free and Gentle detergent and I use it for all the house laundry and it’s never done me wrong. As long as it’s fragrance free and safe, you’ll be okay.

5. Burp Cloths

Anything that will protect babies skin from the milk spills and drool, is a must. I always keep a bunch of these on hand just because I go through them like crazy, every time baby eats. Again any product you like, but super important. I use the burt’s bees line. They have tons of cute options and I love their organic material. Their onesies are amazing too!

It’s crazy how much growth and change occurred right before my eyes and now I’m holding the baby that I grew in my tummy.

On February 23, 2022, was when two positive lines on my pregnancy test popped up, and I had no clue. I think before my pregnancy, I’ve always wanted to be pregnant, it was kind of a dream for me, so I would curiously research the signs of early pregnancy thinking I would be prepared. And still, I never connected the dots for myself.

So, me and my entire family all work at the same place. And I remember my mom and one of her co-workers came up to me as I was working, kinda just minding my business, and they were just saying “Looks like your butt got big”, “You’re not pregnant are you?” kinda laughing but serious. And of course, I told them both no, absolutely not. But keep in mind, my boyfriend and I had moved in together that same month… yeah we didn’t waste any time.

Out of curiosity, I took a test shortly after they said something to me, and sure enough, positive. My boyfriend was in the bedroom while I took the test in our bathroom and I just remember being locked up. Like, I was holding any emotion inside waiting to see what his reaction was. And we both cried. But we looked at each other and we knew that this journey we were about to take together was going to be a crazy but amazing one. As time progressed in my pregnancy, I was getting more hungry and tired. Sometimes emotional. But as we kept going to the appointments and I saw our baby grow, I don’t know, something in me just wanted to be happy all the time for our baby. I was afraid to be sad and every time I would get sad, I just knew my baby didn’t deserve that feeling and he wanted to make himself known. That mama. I’m here. We’re okay. I love you. You’ll be the best mama. Because I was beyond scared. I had just turned 21 after I conceived, and I and my boyfriend were just navigating this new life living together. It was insane. But the closer we got to the due date, the more love I had for this baby I had never met before. I already wanted to give him the world. And I just wanted to keep him safe. Always.

Around 32 weeks, I was over it. I was heavy and felt like a rolly polly Olly. I was done being pregnant. I would get sick when I’d eat, but I felt like I was starving. I was exhausted. I just wanted this life growing inside of me to be here already. As the due date came closer, I started taking my repercussions at 38 weeks. I was bouncing on the yoga ball, eating pineapples and dates because Reddit told me to. I was staying on my feet, working hard at my job, nesting, and cooking at the house. Doing anything I could to go into labor.

At exactly 39 weeks, one week before my actual due date, I went to the outlet mall with my parents and my sister. Going into labor was on my mind but I had no idea what was about to come this day. We’re just walking around, doing some shopping. It was a nice day. I remember we went into the bath and body works store, probably an hour being there. I started to feel weird, and I was thinking the scents were probably just bothering me and I needed a break. The next store we visit was the Nike Outlet. As soon as I walked inside, I felt drizzling going down my legs. I thought I had peed myself. I looked at my mom and told her, “We need to go to the bathroom”. At this point I’m thinking, my water broke it had to be. I called my doctor and went to the emergency room of the hospital I wanted to have my son and sure enough, they were preparing me for the labor and delivery room. My boyfriend is at work at this time, it’s about noon and he doesn’t get off for another two hours. It’s chaos. I’m about to have a baby, my boyfriend needs to be here. The contractions aren’t happening right now so we’re just waiting. And as soon as those contractions came, I honestly wanted to turn back. Those were killers.

But at 2:40 in the morning on the 28th of October, my baby was born. After an hour of pushing and frustration, not knowing if I could go another push, I did it. And let me tell you. Just the amount of love and admiration I had for my baby as soon as I locked eyes with him. I didn’t want to let him go. He’s my joy, and this experience was truly the most amazing thing I’ve done in my life. It’s truly a blessing.