Newborn Essentials for your Baby Registry// Newborn Sleep Essentials

Todays video goes over all of the products I thought were must haves for us during the newborn stage, each of these items just help make our lives easier and more enjoyable as first time new parents. I go into much more detail in the video about how we use each product and why we love it but wanted to compile a list here with links for easy access.

The first category of items are all sleep related. This is because I feel like sleep, or lack of can make all the difference in the newborn experience. When your baby is getting better sleep, they are happier and so is the whole family. For this reason my number one must have is the TakingCaraBabies newborn sleep class. Then many of these other sleep products are things we learned about and implemented from taking the class.

• TakingCaraBabies Newborn Class: This class is developed specifically for newborns, it is not sleep training it simply teaches you how to help your baby lay a sleep foundation, sooth your baby, how to help them put themselves to sleep and the products/ help to make it easier and more comfortable for them to sleep. I can not recommend this enough to everyone out there who is a new parent, it has helped us SO SO much. A lot of what she teaches is not rocket science stuff, but it is things I don't think I ever would have come up with on my own. At 10 weeks we are already so thankful for how well our baby is sleeping thanks to the class. 
• Check out the class here: https://takingcarababies.com/newborns/ 
• SwaddleMe Swaddle: Caras class teaches you how to use a swaddle to help tame the startle reflex which often wakes the baby up. We personally like these particular swaddles because they are velcro and more importantly affordable because in the early newborn days we learned we needed quite a few backups so a more expensive swaddle would not have made sense
• Get the swaddles HERE
• Sound Machine: Another tip from Caras class (this is one I likely wouldn't have figured out on my own) is to use a white noise sound machine. For newborns it is startling to sleep in silence because they are used to the loud noises in the womb, white noise is a similar sound and soothes them, plus it helps drown out the noise around them in the house. 
• We have this one for nighttime use: HERE
• As well as this portable one for the carseat and anywhere else: HERE
• SnuggleMeOrganic: HERE
• Wubanub pacifiers: Get them HERE

• Inverted Zip Sleepers: This is mostly just a clothing category for me. If we are at home, he is pretty much always wearing these sleepers. They have hand mits and footies to keep his hands and feet warm but most importantly the zip up from the bottom rather than the top which allows for super easy diaper changes that are very frequent. Not having to deal with snaps or taking off all his clothing entirely to change his diaper is key and why we love these so much that I have purchased all the prints target has to offer. 
• Get them HERE 

• Boppy Newborn Lounger: This was not on our registry but given to us by a fellow parent who said it was a must have and we are so thankful. We use this every single day all over the house. This is such an essential because you need somewhere for the baby to sit and this is built for newborns who can't sit up. This is so helpful to have the baby in front of you while you do things. 
• Get it HERE

The next thing that I think is a must have for all new parents is some sort of baby carrier, we actually got two different kinds and we use them in different ways and they have been amazing and total lifesavers. 

• Baby Bjourn: We have the original version of this and have used it since the day we came home from the hospital for walks. This one is so simple to use since you just clip it all in and go.
• Get it HERE
• Baby Ktan: This one works and looks like a wrap but without the hassle of actually having to wrap which is why I love it. This one I use around the house and when we visit other peoples houses. When we are at home and Carter is having a day where he is really fussy or only wants to be held I use this because he absolutely loves it, it soothes him very quickly and he will usually fall asleep within minutes. This allows him to be happy and snuggled and me to be hands free to do a few things while holding him. I also use it when we have been at our families houses so he doesn't get over stimulated or for him to nap as well. This one I would say is the absolute must have for the early days. 
• Get it HERE

The last category is swing-like items. We again have two different kinds that have different purposes. 

• Graco Simple Swing: this one is the more traditional swing that sways back and forth. He has loved this from day one, it entertains him and soothes him so he loves to sit in it daily. 
• Get it HERE
• Rock N Play: He was not a fan of this at first but warmed up to it and now takes at least one nap a day in here. I love it because it is an easier nap time then his bassinet and the rocking motion will typically get me his longest nap of the day.
• Get it HERE

Fall Decor Home Tour 2018

Come along to see how I decorated our home for fall this year. You can watch the full video above where I walk you through our decor and where everything is from.

My main focal point while decorating this year was our fireplace mantel. I wanted to do something a little different this time around. Instead of a fall garland type decoration I wanted to do something with silver and gold pumpkins to have a bit of a glam look. I didn't have any luck finding gold pumpkins so I used all silver but I still love the way it came out.

The vase on the left, the candle sticks on the right and the welcome sign in the middle were all already pieces on the mantle and I decided to just incorporate them into the fall-scape. To start I placed the three different silver and mercury glass pumpkins along the mantle. Then I surrounded them with some faux lambs ear and fall sprays. I topped one of the candle holders with a rose gold little pumpkin that is actually a candle. Then added a flower and some greenery to the vase.

Down below the mantle on the fireplace, we have this lantern with string lights inside. I filled that with some pumpkin vase filler which looks great when the lights are turned on. The pumpkins are small white pumpkins covered in clear beads so they look awesome in person.

Then on our TV stand I just wanted to add a few things but nothing over the top. Next to the mercury glass lantern that is typically there I just added two white and gold pumpkins and a gold glitter autumn sign.

On our entry table I added a pumpkin that says "Fall is Here" and switched out the pillow cover for one that I made that says "Fall Sweet Fall"

Moving into our kitchen and dining room I decorated our floating shelves a bit, my three-tiered tray in the kitchen and a piece for the dining table.

On the floating shelves I added in a couple teal pumpkins that I got last year at, At Home, a pumpkin wooden sign and then I filled the glass jar with popcorn kernels.

On the dining table I filled the mirrored planter I like to switch out for the seasons with some neutral colored fall sprays and pumpkins.

Then in the kitchen I decorated my three-tiered tray with some small pumpkins from the target dollar spot, another wooden pumpkin sign a mug and some pinecones. I would like to find some additional fun things for this tray to add to it.

That is everything I did this year for fall decor. I hope you enjoyed taking a peak and maybe got a little inspiration. I would like to eventually decorate our front door/porch area as well so I will be sure to share if I get that accomplished!

What I Really Used in My Hospital Bag

To see what I originally packed in my hospital bag see this post.

Today I am coming back with an update on what I actually used in my hospital bag and a couple things I wish I had. You can watch the update video above, below I will do a quick recap. The main factor that affected the items that I did use and wish I had was the length of our hospital stay. I ended up having an emergency c-section which meant we stayed in the hospital much longer than we would if I would have had an uncomplicated vaginal birth. Our hospital stay ended up being 3 nights and 4+ days from when we checked into L&D. Something I would advise everyone is to prepare for a longer hospital stay since you never know how long you will be there and then if you don't use anything then no harm done.

Baby's Bag: 

Below is what I packed in my diaper bag for the baby during our stay in the hospital and if I used the items or not plus what I wish I had for him. 

• 2 Onesies and a pair of pants- We used one onsie and the pair of pants as his going home outfit
• 2 Hats- We used one of the hats, plus the one the hospital provides
• 1 Sleeper- We used this the most, one of the things I wish I had was one more of these sleepers for our stay
• 1 Swaddle- YES, so glad we packed our own because swaddling with those hospital blankets is a mess
• 1 Blanket - Did not use this blanket since the hospital provided an endless amount of blankets for him
• Water Wipes- Did not use, we used the hospital provided wipes, and we used a ton of them
• Pacifier- Only used for his hearing test, our hospital was extremely anti-pacifier
• Only thing I am going to add- the blanket I ordered with his name on it, when it comes in- yes we did use this to take some pictures of him :) everyone loved it and thought it was the coolest thing

What I wish I had in babies bag: Really the only thing I wish I had packed for him would have been an extra sleeper, since that was what we had him in majority of the stay. The hospital only provides a shirt and they were huge. These sleepers are my favorite and perfect for the hospital since they cover the feet and hands, and have the inverted zipper for easy diaper changes. Also we did have to go to the giftshop and buy him little mits for his hands because he wouldn't stop scratching his face so that would be a great thing to add to your packing list. 

My Bag: 

In my bag I again tried to keep it pretty minimal, just trying to pack the things to make myself more comfortable during my stay. What is in my bag: 

Toiletries: 

• Shampoo and Conditioner- Did not use, was not interested in washing my hair, could barely comfortably stand in the shoer
• Soap and Loofa - Yes I did use, glad I brought my own
• Makeup wipes- Yes I did use 1-2 times a day
• Shower wipes- YES, seriously pack these, they were my favorite for wiping off when I felt gross in the hospital and even before I was allowed to shower 
• Toothbrush and toothpaste- Yes of course
• Mouthwash- I don't remember lol
• Chapstick- Yes used like crazy it is very dry in the hospital
• Deodorant- Yes
• Nursing pads- Yes
• Nipple Butter- Yes
• Before we leave I will likely add a couple of my "everyday toiletries" 
• Makeup bag- will add in a couple basics before we leave like CC cream and lip balm- Yes I did remember to pack these and did use them just putting on a little CC cream each morning made me feel a lot better when I felt like a mess

What I wish I had in my Toiletry bag: There were a couple things I wish I had packed in my toiletry bag, some I think I meant to throw in the day of before we left and forgot. Also again I think I ended up wanting some of this due to the longer length of stay. 

• Dry Shampoo, can't believe I didn't pack this, I am almost positive I purchased a small one for my hospital bag and forgot to pack it. Like I mentioned I was not interested in washing my hair so dry shampoo would've been nice
• Face wash- I did pack makeup wipes but didn't pack face wash and I wish I would have, ideally a deep cleansing one
• Face moisturizer- I meant to add this and forgot and it definitely would've been nice to have, I felt very dried out

Everything Else: 

• 2 Pairs of Pajamas- Yes I only wore my robe and pajamas for the whole stay
• 1 set long sleeve PJ's and one set short sleeve
• 1 Nursing Robe - Yes I changed into this after we got to our final room
• Cheap flip flops for the shower - Yes so glad I packed these for the shower
• 1 outfit- leggings, t-shirt, maternity top- No I did not wear these I ended up wearing PJ's home because I was so swollen
• High waisted underwear- No I only wore the provided mesh underwear and the diaper underwear I packed
• Wet ones- Did not use
• Tucks- Did not use since I had a csection
• Always Diaper underwear- Yes after a day or so I switched out the mesh underwear and pad for these because they were so much more comfortable for me, I am so glad I packed some in my bag, and they are what I wore once I got home as well
• Extra long phone charger- Yes

What I Want my Husband to Grab Day of: 

• Kindle to watch tv/ movies at hospital- Yes, didn't use a ton but a little 
• Camera and accessories- We forgot to grab these
• Extra phone charger- Yes
• Snacks- Yes, I would have even packed more snacks, we ate them all and they were great to have in the room

As you can see I actually did a pretty good job packing and there were only a couple things I wish I had packed, but nothing major. I would definitely give the advice to anyone who is pregnant to pack a little extra just in case, since you never know when you will be discharged.