Quite a bit of time has lapsed since the last Baby Essentials post, and while I was hoping to share what has worked for me sooner, I’m glad I’ve had more time under my belt as a mom (and now expectant mom again) to really put these items to the test. I know it is true that every baby is different and what may work well for one might not for the other, but I will absolutely use these essentials with baby number two and hope they work out as beautifully as they have with number one.
A Comfy Rocking Chair
I understand this is a typical nursery item, but just in case you’re on the fence about whether or not you need a rocker I am here to tell you to get the rocker. I have spent endless hours in the chair, rocking, nursing, pumping, reading, snuggling, and sleeping (hello crazy nights) and it will be moved from our little guy’s room to baby number two’s room for the same uses. We purchased a higher quality chair and am so happy to have made that choice since it has held up beautifully and still looks new – even after over a year and a half of use and a move.
To fit the feel and theme of our nursery we purchased our chair from Pottery Barn Kids. (our upholstery is light gray chenille tweed)
Inglesina Fast Table High Chair
This counter chair was a space saver and an overall amazing addition to our baby gear. Placing our little guy at the counter when we were in our apartment that was sans a true dining space meant he could enjoy meals with us and also be entertained and easily at arms reach while we were working in the kitchen. The home we are currently living in does have a fantastic kitchen island and if we stay here long enough we will be using the chair for our second baby as well. I love this chair so much and found it to be so useful that my parents also had one at their home for us to use during our visits.
It does have the option to purchase a tray attachment separately and having used the chair with and without the tray I can easily recommend you pick up the tray as well. There’s an odd amount of space between baby and counter without it. Using the tray also means less mess on the floor below as it closes the counter – chair gap.
HALO DreamNest 3-in-1 Open Air Portable Crib
The HALO DreamNest 3-in-1 Open Air Portable Crib is a must-have. We have traveled with it multiple times and have used it in our home as well. I visited my parents in AZ last year and my little guy used it as a crib for about two months without issue. What’s really convenient about this portable crib is all the different ways it can be used. The crib can be used as a bassinet by placing the mesh cot mattress at the highest setting and using the lockable rocking legs, a crib by lowering the mattress and removing the rocker legs (also a great little play yard when used like this), and then once baby is old enough the mattress can be removed to be used as a toddler cot.
I especially love the ease of portability and how breathable it is with all the mesh surfaces. I plan on having ours set up in the living room in the bassinet position once baby number two arrives.
Sposie Overnight Diaper Pads
Sposie Overnight Diaper Pads have been an overnight hero. Our little guy (though never the best sleeper until recently, hallelujah!) would wake wet quite frequently. Even overnight diapers weren’t doing the trick; that is until we coupled overnight diapers (I recommend Huggies Overnites) with the diaper pads. A dry baby meant and still means longer sleep stretches, something the whole family is happy about! We will absolutely be using these sooner with our new baby.
This is just a sampling of items that worked well for our sweet boy, but if I had to suggest just four baby essentials items these would be the four. I am happy to share others if you’re interested – just leave a message below!
