Baby essentials according to Kim

I spent a lot of time looking into what was really essential for our baby because I didn't want a house full of stuff. Items like a bottle warmer, bottle sterilizer and wipe warmer just aren't necessary. Babies really don't need that much, and I had intended on keeping things as minimal as possible. 

Since we had a baby shower before Hannah arrived, I only registered for items I thought we needed. However, due to having extremely generous family and friends, we received far more than we registered for! Just when I thought we couldn't possibly receive any more gifts, they kept coming in after Hannah was born.

We have so many receiving blankets, toys, books, and clothes that I feel guilty. She simply doesn't need all of this stuff! If anyone is having a baby and wondering what items are necessary, I have compiled a list of Hannah's must-haves for the first month of her life! This is all of the "other" items outside of a crib, stroller, car seat, etc.

Pictured above: Overly cute baby

Hannah's must-haves:

Sleepers & Onesies: About 12 sleepers and 12 onesies should do. We have a lot more than that, but 12 is really all you need. Newborns are basically in sleepers and onesies all of the time. It's nice to have a few cute outfits, but they are more of a hassle to put on. Note: Sleepers with zippers are alot easier than ones with snaps.

Sleep Sounds: We use a combination of things to help soothe Hannah to sleep. She loves her Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Soother. I also play a Rockabye baby CD to her every night. This week it is U2. At this point, I am getting a little sick of the lullaby version of Sunday Bloody Sunday, but whatever helps!

Baby Carrier: Sometimes I just need to get shit done. With a baby carrier Hannah can come along for all of my mundane household chores. I also use the carrier for walks.

Swaddler: Sure, you can just use a receiving blanket to swaddle your baby. But life is so much easier with a product like "The First Years Easy Wrap Swaddler" (that's what we have). It has velcro tabs that makes a nice fit every time.

Burp Cloths & Washcloths: I like the Kushies brand when it comes to burp cloths and washcloths. They aren't cheap and thin like a lot of other brands. Plus the items are actually made in Canada. Shocking.

Blankets: A couple of nice blankets to keep baby warm. We have about a dozen, but only use our favourite few.