https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:02:44 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491285 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:16:09 +0000 .twist. 491285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: Thanks!! I actually just looked up how to swaddle and it looks pretty easy, I think even I could do it! ;) </p> <p>@Jenn23: @hellobeeboston: Thanks ladies! They sound very multi purpose! I definitely will be getting some of them! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491279 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:15:19 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 491279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: I think the A &amp; A are much easier to swaddle with than regular blankets because of the stretch. But I would only use them for daytime swaddling. At night, the velcro types are safer (to protect against SIDS). My hospital recommends HALO sleepsacks.</p> <p>Let me add a slightly different perspective.</p> <p>My top 5 0-3 months in the NICU:</p> <p>1. Boppy. It makes a hospital rocker so much more comfortable for holding LO. I use it anytime I hold him including BF and bottle feeding. I also really like the plush cover I have.</p> <p>2. A &amp; A Blankets. Hospital blankets are so rough! I can't keep my A &amp; A blankets clean long enough for him to always have one, but it makes me much happier when he does. We use it to swaddle and/or as an extra layer when I'm holding him.</p> <p>3. Soothies. These actually help baby learn how to suck. It's physical therapy in a pacifier!</p> <p>4. Sleepers with Snaps. Yes the snaps are annoying. But NICU babies are hooked to all kinds of monitors. The cords can come out between any of the snaps. Zip up wouldn't work.</p> <p>5. Lovies and/or little tiny stuff animals. At the beginning it was nice to just have something normal in his bed with him. I could use it as a blanket. Now he'll sit and stare at his little monkey when he's awake in his crib.</p> <p>Extras:<br /> "My Early Arrival Baby Journal" - This isn't exactly an essential. But it's so nice to have a baby book made for preemies. One less thing to miss out on or not quite fit in with.</p> <p>Sleep Sheep. I'm going to take it in today - I keep forgetting. </p> <p>Tub. Babies still get baths in the NICU.</p> <p>Mobile. I have a Tiny Love. Only for older babies and/or babies with a longer stay time, but I think LO is ready. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491273 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:14:23 +0000 HLK208 491273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Newborn:<br /> 1) swaddle me's<br /> 2) swing<br /> 3) pacifier<br /> 4) beco Gemini carrier<br /> 5) sleep and plays</p> <p>Older babies:<br /> 1) bamboo crib sheet (she loves the softness!)<br /> 2) exercauser<br /> 3) baby bjorn bib catcher<br /> 4) stackable toy (we have bowls)<br /> 5) high chair </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491235 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:03:43 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 491235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Newborn:<br /> -boppy<br /> -aiden and anais blankets<br /> -moby wrap (lifesaver!!)<br /> -designated changing table<br /> -a swing</p> <p>General:<br /> -diaper genie (I thought they were so unnecessary until I got one)<br /> -lots of socks (not cute ones....ones that actually stay on)<br /> -a good nursing bra (like Hotmilk), not a cheapie one </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491188 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:51:11 +0000 hellobeeboston 491188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: we used the A+A blankets for swaddling in the beginning, but my LO didn't love being swaddled... we still use them every day as blankets for him, nursing covers, something to put down on the carpet or couch, car seat cover, burp cloths, etc! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491183 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:49:04 +0000 Jenn23 491183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: We LOVE the velcro swaddle blanket. So much easier than a regular blanket! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491179 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:48:07 +0000 Jenn23 491179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1) Snug a bunny swing..he loves it!!<br /> 2) Swaddle Me Velcro -sleeps through the night with it since 4 weeks old!<br /> 3) Activity Mat<br /> 4) Video Monitor<br /> 5) pacifiers </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491175 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:45:45 +0000 mrskc 491175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>NB to 3 months:</p> <p>1. Swaddle blankets- A+A, swaddleme, and now I like halo fleece sleep sack swaddle now that its cold. </p> <p>2. Bouncy chair - he sleeps in this at night</p> <p>3. Beco Gemini carrier- we could not go shopping with out this. Also great for around the house. </p> <p>4. Burp cloths and bibs - my LO spits up a lot. </p> <p>5. Sleep and plays </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491165 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:41:13 +0000 littlek 491165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Pack and Play w/ changing station and newborn napper<br /> 2. Wabba Nub<br /> 3. A&amp;A blankets<br /> 4. Bottles w/ slow flow nipple<br /> 5. Baby Bath tub </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-491143 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:31:57 +0000 hilsy85 491143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: the A&amp;A blankets are stretchy, so they're easy to swaddle with (we use the DUDU method from happiest baby on the block). We also double swaddle, so do the DUDU method with two blankets, one on top of another. This makes it harder for LO to break out of. However, we use a swaddle me (with velcro) for nighttime because the first night we used it, he slept 7 hours and now I'm scared to mess with it, lol. BUt the A&amp;As are great for naps and they have a million other uses too. We have 8 and love them all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490820 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:53:39 +0000 .twist. 490820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally subscribing! </p> <p>I also have a question, I see a lot of you are mentioning Aden and Anais blankets. Are they easy to swaddle with? I read somewhere that swaddle blankets with snaps or velco or something work better than regular blankets and I'm just wonder if these are easy to use? I have no idea how to swaddle and wouldn't want my baby to break out of the poor swaddle I'd do with a regular blanket. </p> <p>I've looked these blankets up and I LOVE the way they look and would love some, I'm just worried I'm not smart enough to use them! haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490757 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:26:43 +0000 lisa1783 490757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Lots and lots of swaddling blankets - love A&amp;A like everyone else. Your baby will poop all over them faster than you can blink</p> <p>2. Lots and lots of onesies - see above. Just get them in newborn and 0-3 months because they'll also grow overnight like magic and what fit one minute will suddenly be too small the next</p> <p>3. Boppy</p> <p>4. Frozen pre-cooked meals. If you have enough time now while pregnant to cook, freeze as many meals as you can because cooking will be the last thing on your mind when the baby comes. I ate so much cereal and pb&amp;j sandwiches because that was all I had time for during the day.</p> <p>5. Rolls and rolls of paper towels and cleaning supplies. Our baby boy had projectile pee that would go EVERYWHERE. On his changing pad, on the wall, on the carpet, on us, etc. He would also spit up while we were holding him on the couch so just be sure to have a damp paper towel ready at all times for lots of spot cleaning. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490638 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:50:49 +0000 LuLu Mom 490638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>NB Stage:<br /> 1) Rock N Play<br /> 2) Swing<br /> 3) Activity Mat<br /> 4) Nose sucker and nasal spray<br /> 5) Nail File (I was too scared in the beginning to clip) </p> <p>3 Month:<br /> 1) Video Monitor<br /> 2) Bobby<br /> 3) Bumbo chair<br /> 4) Bibs..lots of them<br /> 5) battery powered nose sucker...we use it a ton </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490608 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:42:04 +0000 MsLipGloss 490608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Kimono-style shirts (for no-over-the-head clothing changes and super easy diaper changes)</p> <p>2. A+A swaddle blankets - we (still) use these every day for so many different things</p> <p>3. Rock N Play Sleeper</p> <p>4. Lactation Consultant - the one at the hospital was AWFUL, and I could never have made it this far (17 weeks) without help!</p> <p>5. iPhone (to track feedings/feeding patterns and wet/dirty diapers) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490603 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:37:30 +0000 hilsy85 490603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. A&amp;a blankets for swaddling/everything, and swaddle me for night time.<br /> 2. Moby/ergo- some sort of baby carrier<br /> 3. Snuga bunny swing<br /> 4. Zip up sleepers<br /> 5. A lactation counselor--would not have survived the first month without one, and would definitely not still be breastfeedng now </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490589 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:24:41 +0000 PrincessBaby 490589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Aden &amp; Anais blankets and burp cloths/bibs.<br /> 2. Boppy<br /> 3. Snugabunny Swing (how do peeps live w/o this?)<br /> 4. Agree with @hellobeeboston on the lanolin...You WILL need something for your nips the first few days, and that not only works, but it's ok for baby to nurse w/it on there. Unlike nipple butter which the nurse told me wasn't good for baby to nurse<br /> with...<br /> 5. Motorola video monitor </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves/page/2#post-490464 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:08:05 +0000 hellobeeboston 490464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1 A+A blankets<br /> 2 Rock n Play<br /> 3 long sleeve onesies<br /> 4 iphone (or ipad for keeping track of feedings and entertaining mama)<br /> 5 lanolin -esp first week! if bfing</p> <p>actually - this list is totally right on:<br /> <a href="http://www.claremontroad.com/2012/one-month-of-parenthood-the-survival-guide/" rel="nofollow">http://www.claremontroad.com/2012/one-month-of-parenthood-the-survival-guide/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490459 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 08:04:03 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 490459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>subscribing! You all are wonderful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490442 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 07:33:59 +0000 futuremama 490442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love these threads! So much good info. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490424 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 06:43:38 +0000 BananaPancakes 490424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For a newborn:<br /> 1. The snug a bunny swing<br /> 2. Aiden &amp; Anais burpy bibs<br /> 3. Boppy<br /> 4. Moby wrap<br /> 5. Rock n play</p> <p>Now at 8.5 months:<br /> 1. Mamas and papas snug seat.<br /> 2. Little Tikes cozy cruiser.<br /> 3. Sleepmachine app on iPad.<br /> 4. Ergo carrier<br /> 5. Video monitor. We have the ibaby.</p> <p>Honorable mentions</p> <p>Cooshee changer<br /> Aiden and Anais blankets<br /> Tons and tons of onesies<br /> Baby gap socks<br /> Puj tub<br /> Nose Frieda </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490421 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 06:01:33 +0000 SugarplumsMom 490421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's pretty interesting to read my reply 5 months ago because now at 6 mo, LO doesn't use most of that stuff anymore! Here's my my updated list (looking back at her NB+ days).</p> <p><b>My updated list (looking back at her early days)/what I'd NEED if ever we have another NB baby list:</b></p> <p>1. NB bouncer. We had the Bright Starts Comfort &amp; Harmony bouncer, but I'm sure any would do. Absolute essential. Seriously, it's the one thing that I look back on and think I'll NEED. We didn't use it until she was older (because she was too small to be cozy in the beginning and we forgot about it), that's why it didn't make it onto her old list. But once we used it, we were able to eat as a couple again! </p> <p>2. Mebby Jelly Baby Changing Mat + Libero disposable liners<br /> I wish it was coated, but she's really comfortable in it. But we use a cloth cover + disposable liners, so it's not an issue.</p> <p>3. Baby nail clippers<br /> Her nails grow crazy fast and she loves to rub her face. I bought a pair from eBay from a HK vendor that I still use now.</p> <p>4. Saline drops + NoseFrida</p> <p>5. Tons of soft, baby washcloths</p> <p><u>Notable mentions:</u><br /> +Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym - still my most used item since her early days.<br /> +Tons of receiving blankets (the only item that made it on my previous list). We still use them for everything.<br /> +Tippitoes Mini Bath<br /> +Kaiser Cuddly Bag Little Sheepy </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490410 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:07:59 +0000 immabeetoo 490410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Zip up sleep and plays<br /> Nose Frieda<br /> Boppy<br /> Halo sleep sacks<br /> Aden anais blankets</p> <p>And my iPhone! F<br /> Got it in anyicipation of baby for better pictures and easier adult entertainment like now while I wait to be sure he's staying asleep' </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490408 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:01:38 +0000 mediagirl 490408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Vibrating bouncy seat.<br /> Swing.<br /> A+A blankets for everything from swaddling to cleaning up spit-up<br /> Somewhere for baby to sleep in your room for the first 3 months (we used a basssinet)<br /> Ergo carrier. I use it now at 6 months more than I did when she was little. I love it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-490405 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 04:54:37 +0000 Mrs squirreld 490405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm totally bumping this thread now that I am pregnant!! woo hoo!!! What are your top 5 items?! :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-232594 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 14:10:14 +0000 pastemoo 232594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cvbee: then i don't have to change anything but the diaper when it's changing time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-232059 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 10:08:05 +0000 LivsMama 232059@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chrispygal: I LOVE that Dreft Spray as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-232025 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 09:45:11 +0000 chrispygal 232025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our LO is just 3 weeks old so this list may change but right now our top 5 items are</p> <p>-Receiving Blankets. Our favorites are the Ultimate Receiving Blankets. These are big, great to swaddle with, and warmer than the A&amp;A blankets which is great for the AC. We use the A&amp;A blankets as well, which are great for being outside in the warmer weather.</p> <p>-Carters Bibs and burp cloths. I love that they have a backing that helps them be water-resistant. Our little girl is a messy eater and spits up sometimes after she eats so she always has one of these on.</p> <p>-Dreft Stain Remover Spray. Seriously, this stuff is the BOMB! I have only been able to find this at babies r us, and picked up 5 bottles yesterday. That's how much I love this stuff! As mentioned above, LO spits up and her outfits and bibs were all getting stained. This stuff gets out formula stains no problem! LO also had a HUGE poop explosion that got all over her clothes and her blanket and this stuff got those stains out as well. Spray liberally and wash in hot water. I want to buy stock in Dreft - that's how good this stuff works. BUY SOME!</p> <p>-Fisher Price Rock n' Play Sleeper. We use this in the living room for her to sleep or hang out in, and it's easily portable so we'll bring it on visits to other people's houses as well. We definitely use it daily.</p> <p>-Carters Sleep and Play rompers. LO fusses horribly when we pull stuff over her head, and these outfits have been great. Since we're in AC most of the time, she needs to be dressed warmly so they work great in the summer as well. They are easy to get her in and out of and to change her diaper. This is the one clothing item I went out and stocked up on. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-231897 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:50:35 +0000 kiddosc 231897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It's kind of hard to narrow it down to the top 5...</p> <p>- velcro swaddle blanket (he learned to bust out of the A+A blankets early)<br /> - video monitor<br /> - white noise machine<br /> - snugga-bunny swing (this is sometimes the only way to get him to sleep)<br /> - activity mat (we broke this out around 4 weeks it's been so fun to watch him go from just staring up at the toys, to flailing around and accidentally hitting them, to purposely batting at them now) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-231683 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:57:42 +0000 pinkcupcake 231683@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In no particular order:</p> <p>- Halo sleepsack. We have a February baby and the fleece sleepsack kept her nice and cozy.<br /> - 'Baby 411' book. Quick &amp; easy reference guide I could turn to if I had a question (sometimes the internet can be a scary place!)<br /> - Pack &amp; Play with Newborn Napper. Our LO slept in this until she was about 3 months old.<br /> - Breast pump. I had lots of supply issues so a breast pump was vital to my breastfeeding success.<br /> - My Brest Friend. I preferred this to the Boppy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-top-5-baby-must-haves#post-231675 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:52:34 +0000 AmeliaBedilia 231675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Replying so I can subscribe. Thanks! </p>