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Baby's First Year : products and tips that actually helped me get through it.

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[This list is a work in progress. ] A list of the products that I actually used and loved during my son's first year. Plus some of the tips and tricks that were essential for my survival and for my son to thrive.
Sections
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The Products

 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
I 100% loved our Doona. I was a little skeptical at first, but once we got it, I was so excited. I used it from the day we took him home from the hospital to a little past his first birthday. It was worth the money spent too. It is perfect for Ubers ...
DOONA
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
If you live in a colder climate and have a Doona, I recommend getting this. It worked great in both Texas and Washington state during winter months.
Doona Winter Cover for Car Seat & Stroller
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
I tried at least 6 other kinds of bottles and a few other pacifiers and these were my son's favorites. I wanted to avoid the Dr Browns bottles because I didn't want to have to wash all the individual parts. My son was very colicky and gassy though. A...
Dr. Brown’s Wide-Neck Baby Bottle, 5 oz, 2-Pack
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Formula feeding? Get a couple of these! They aren't just great for the diaper bag either. Prep bottles before bedtime. Put the water in the bottles and formula measured out in this. You can have it ready in the nursery, by your bed or by the crib. So...
Philips AVENT Powder Formula Dispenser, Grey
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
I wish I had a carrier as soon as we brought him home. I didn't get one until about a month in. This is the one I had and it worked for me. I was able to wear him while doing laundry, cleaning, cooking, even on the treadmill (which is probably not re...
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Knit Newborn Carrier for Babies - Heather Gray
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
For the first month we used Pampers Swaddlers because it has the notch that won't iritate their leftover umbilical cord thingy. Once it fell of and it was healed we switched brands.
Pampers Swaddlers Active Baby Diapers Enormous Pack - Size 0 - 140ct
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Drea Nicole G. profile picture
We switched to Millie Moon diapers after his cute little belly button healed. These diapers are so soft, fit well, and are incredibly affordable. We only had one blowout in these and that was when he was sick after getting a whole bunch of vaccines a...
Millie Moon Luxury Diapers Size 1 - 108ct
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
We used Desitin and Vaseline at every change and he never had a diaper rash. The only time his bum skin got irritated was when I tried out a fancier brand of diaper cream. I switched back to Desitin right away and it cleared up that day.
Desitin Daily Defense Baby Diaper Rash Cream with Zinc Oxide -16oz
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Cradle cap is so annoying. My son had so much hair when he was born. But then he developed cradle cap and it thinned out. I used this shampoo and the comb he got at the hospital. And with in a week or two, it was cleared up. This bottle is so big tho...
Happy Cappy Dr. Eddie’s Medicated Shampoo, 8 Oz
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Seeing your tiny baby sick is the absolute worst. Chances are you'll need this during that first year.
Infants' Tylenol Pain & Fever Reducer Liquid - Acetaminophen - Dye-Free Cherry - 2 fl oz
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Swaddles, and later - sleep sacks, are the best at helping to comfort, cuddle, and let your baby know it's naptime or bedtime.
Love to Dream Swaddle UP, Baby Sleep Sack, Grey
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Got a baby? You need this. Seems silly, but trust me it's great to have. Just keep it clean and away from the baby. It feels and looks like a teether to them.
Bumco Diaper Cream Spatula - BPA-Free Butt Paste
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
This is a life saver whenever my son gets extra fussy when new chompers are starting to cut his gums. Numbing gels aren't recommended for infants. So this is my preferred safe alternative to calm him while he's teething.
Boiron Camilia Teething Drops for Day & Night Relief

Postpartum Mental Health

I struggled with postpartum ocd, anxiety, and depression. It was a very rough first year as a mother. But I got through it! And I'm stronger than I've ever been. All mama's deserve support. We all deserve a village. And our babies deserve the very be...
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
I was 6 months postpartum when I had a breakdown. I had postpartum ocd, anxiety, and depression. And I was scared. But I was able to get help. And if you're going through it too, you are not alone and there is help for you.
Postpartum Support International
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
🔵 I am 1 in 5
TheBlueDotProject Maternal Mental Health
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
My Instagram where I discuss my postpartum journey.
Instagram (@tsu.mommy)
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Perinatal Support Washington is a great resource if you live in Washington state.
Instagram (@perinatalsupportwashington)
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Babies are expensive

Here are a few ways to save some money.
 
Drea Nicole G. profile picture
Create a Target baby registry! You'll get a bag of samples and full sized products. Plus you'll get discounts and coupons.
Registry : Baby Registry: Target