Top 5 items for New Mums 2017

Hello you lovely new mums to be!

I have been thinking that year to year fashion trends change & so do the 'must have' items that new mums apparently want, a lot of the time they're actually not what mums want. With that in mind I have asked a group full of mums what their personal couldn't live without/must have items were when they had their little ones & have found each of these items for you! 5 items were the most popular so here are the
'Top 5 items for New Mums' as recommended by real mums!

The first item is a;

 Swaddle

From doing some research there are multiple choices for these but the two most popular are the Gro-Swaddle by Grobag & the SwaddleUp by LoveToDream.

Gro-Swaddle - This is a more traditional swaddle where by you wrap baby's arms down by their sides. Here's how to use it as recommended on the Grobag website;

• Place baby onto open swaddling wrap, fold in the top of the wrap so that the fabric is in line with the nape of the neck, legs should be unrestrained in a natural “froggy” leg position.
• Fold the bottom flap up over baby’s legs
• Holding the upper right hand side of the swaddle; wrap the fabric snugly over baby’s arms, and tuck the fabric under baby’s body, leaving fabric loose around the legs.
• Holding the upper left hand side of the swaddle; wrap the fabric snugly around baby’s arms and underneath torso, leaving fabric loose around the legs.
• Ensure that both legs can freely flex.

 

SwaddleUp - This is a newer more modern swaddle that allows baby to sleep with their arms up whilst still feeling snuggled.
Here's why LoveToDream recommend it;

• Snug fit makes your baby feel secure & helps to calm their natural startle reflex
• Eliminates excess loose fabric in the crib
• Wings prevent face-scratching
• May reduce the risk of your baby accidentally rolling onto their tummy
• Genius two-way zipper for easy diaper changes
• Hip-healthy design allows hips and legs to flex naturally

Next we have the;

Sleepyhead

These are popular with my own new mummy friends too. Here's what Sleepyhead says about them;

The Sleepyhead® DELUXE+ pod is the ultimate pod for your baby from ages 0-8 months old. The pod is multifunctional, multitasking and offers a safe and comfy spot that lets baby sleep, rest, co-sleep, lounge, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get diaper changes.

DELUXE+ pods are lightweight and portable, allowing for easy travel from room to room, grandma’s house or on vacation. All materials used are breathable, washable and hypoallergenic. Sleepyhead® DELUXE+ offers excellent air-permeability, all filling materials are sourced from world-leading suppliers with breathable, hygienic and non-toxic properties.

The 3rd most popular item was a;

Sling/Carrier

The recommendations were for the early days to go for the softer wrap around one & move over to the more structured ones once baby gets bigger.

Baby K'tan Sling - The Baby K'tan is the simplest 'wrap' style sling I've found, its as easy to use as putting on a t-shirt.
Here's what Baby K'tan say about their sling;

The Baby K'tan evenly DISTRIBUTES WEIGHT across both shoulders and back, & the small connecting loop helps the wearer adjust the carrier as needed. Each carrier also includes a matching sash which provides added security for baby and support for mom or dad. The sash also converts to a bag to store your carrier when not it use!

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One - The BabyBjorn was the next recommended carrier in the mums group, this Baby Carrier One ticks all the boxes you could want for a structured carrier.
Here's what BabyBjorn say about this carrier;

• Ergonomic baby carrier with wide seat area
• Extra-padded shoulder straps
• Good stability in the waist belt
• Perfect for a newborn – no infant insert needed.
• Front-facing carrying option
• From newborn to 3 years
• Acknowledged as a a hip-healthy baby carrier by International Hip Dysplasia Institute

 

I must say I love that both of these baby carrier sites have dads modelling them as well as mums!

The forth most popular item was;

Bottle Prep Machine

Many of the mums said although these have had some pretty bad press lately they themselves can't fault them & they were a lifesaver for them especially for night feeds!
I found two different ones so if you don't want to risk the Tommee Tippee due to the bad press you can opt for the Baby Brezzer Formula Pro.

Tommee Tippee - The perfect accompaniment to those 3am feeds. They also come in a range of colours, I've picked my favourite to share with you.
Here's why Tommee Tippee recommend their Perfect Prep Machine;

• Makes a fresh bottle, at correct temperature, in less than 2 minutes
• Filter system removes impurities present in water
• Initial ‘hot shot’ of water kills bacteria that may be present in formula
• Dispenses correct amount of water for a more accurate and consistent dilution
• The Perfect Prep machine works with any powdered formula milk

 

Baby Brezzer Formula Pro - This is an American make prep machine although is also for sale here in the UK. This is significantly more than the Tommee Tippee one but I myself can't see much difference between the two.
Here's why Baby Brezzer recommend their Formula Pro;

• Hassle free formula preparation:  no measuring, no mixing, no fuss
• Patented mixing technology:  mixes formula powder and water to perfect consistency without air bubbles
• Temperature control:  heats water to near body temperature, the optimal temperature for feeding baby
• Airtight formula storage:  holds 700g of formula powder to prepare 20 8-ounce bottles
• Removable water tank:  easy to fill and clean
• Versatile:  Makes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ounce bottles
• Works with all bottle sizes
• Works with most major formula brands and types. *Similac Alimentum is not compatible with the Formula Pro.
• Bottle preparation takes just seconds

 

Last but not least we have the;

Swing

A swing or vibrating bouncer was the other most recommended by the mums. I have found one of each with great reviews for you to take a look at.

Fisher Price 3 in 1 Swing - This was the most popular swing in terms of reviews on google. I actually had a very similar Fisher Price one for my youngest Freya & she loved it.
Here's what Fisher Price say about this swing;

• Features soothing vibrations and 10 tunes.
• Detachable toy bar with 2 toys.
• Multi-position recline seat for baby's comfort; whether they are playing or taking a nap.
• Support strap to keep baby secure.

 

Joie Dreamer - This bouncer has great reviews & comes in 3 different colours, I've picked the Khloe & Bert as its a great unisex one although the other two are lovely too.
Here what Joie Dreamer say about their bouncer;

• Tested beyond the standard weight capacity to hold up to 13kgs
• Ultra slim, compact fold for easy storage in even the smallest spaces
• Seat gently rocks and bounces with a push or when baby moves
• Lightweight and easily portable
• 3 position reclining seat and 2 position adjustable leg rest offer comfort options for baby
• 2 speed soothing vibration pairs with 5 classical lullabies and 5 nature sounds to calm little ones
• Removable, washable, plush infant body support and seat pad are cosy and perfectly cocoon baby
• Rock stop foot flips down to convert to stationary seat
• Removable, rotating toy bar with 2 toys for playtime entertainment
• Open top design for easy access to baby
• SoftTouch, 3-point harness with soft lower buckle cover

 

That completes the list as provided by real mums although there were various other recommendations too like a form of white noise Euan the sheep was recommended, a breast feeding chair, water wipes, a baby monitor, Mam glow in the dark dummies & my favourite two that made me giggle a cleaner & wine ;)

I hope you have found this useful, if you are already a mum & have a different item that was your ultimate must have please post it in the comments as it may help another new mum!!

Thank you to all the mummies that gave me their views it is most appreciated.

See you soon.

With Love

Ash.x

{Ps. Click on each image to be taken to the shop that sells the products}