Motherhood Mondays: Baby things I couldn't live without {Part 1}

When I first discovered that I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed at the number of items that you (apparently) need when you have a baby. Pram, car seat, cot, nappies, baby wipes... the list is endless. Since having Bean, I've realised that many of these items aren't as essential as I once thought. Case in point: those little flat baby pillows - does anyone actually use these? However, there are a few items that I simply couldn't live without - some of which never even crossed my mind before Bean was already in my arms. So, in an attempt to make life easier for other expecting and new moms out there, I've compiled my list of baby items I simply couldn't live without.

1. See Me Baby Wrap Carrier (Pictured in photograph, top)
A baby sling was one of the first items I bought for myself after discovering that I was expecting, but after a couple of weeks I realised that the sling in question wasn't really suited to Bean and I. It hurt my shoulders and Bean seemed very cramped in it, and he used to niggle quite a bit when I put him in the sling. I realised that a 'wrap carrier' is a better option for Bean and I - my hands are free to make a sandwich, type, apply mascara and do household chores, while Bean is safely cosied up to my chest. I tracked down See Me Baby to place an order, and I haven't looked back since. I love my wrap carrier and Bean does, too - there's nothing better than going grocery shopping or for a walk around the neighbourhood with Bean strapped firmly to my chest, where he can listen to my heart beating, secure in the knowledge that his mama is nearby. My only regret? Not buying one sooner! If you're expecting, take my advice: order one now. The sooner, the better! (Also, the See Me Baby wrap carrier may look very complicated, but it's not. Really. I got the hang of tying it after just one use.)

2. Baby Sense Cuddle Wrap
This swaddle blanket was on my gift registry but, despite having not one but three baby showers (lucky girl! Lucky Bean!), I didn't receive one as a gift. I thought I could make do without one, using a regular receiving blanket to swaddle Bean instead, but I eventually gave in and bought myself one after two weeks of battling to perfect the art of swaddling. I'd hoped that it would make a difference to Bean's sleeping habits but I wasn't expecting much. Miraculously, Bean happily went down for his nap on his own and slept soundly for three hours after swaddling him in the Cuddle Wrap. (That's a lot for a newborn who's prone to 'cat napping'!) I'm tempted to buy more Cuddle Wraps because I absolutely dread days when his Cuddle Wrap is in the wash!

3. Your Sensory Baby: Gentle Routines for Happy Days and Peaceful Nights by Megan Faure
In case you haven't noticed, I'm a firm believer in the BabySense way and I'm a sucker for everything BabySense. Cuddle wrap? Check. Taglet? Check. Burp Cloths? Check. If it has the BabySense logo on it, I can pretty much guarantee that I have it. I haven't been following any books or particular parenting methods since Bean's arrival, opting rather to feel things out for myself, based on Bean's cues. However, I have been following tips suggested by the BabySense way and keep this book on my bedside table at all times for easy reference. This gentle method teaches you how to recognise your baby's needs and how to respond to them effectively, ensuring that your baby stays calm. It teaches you everything from how long your baby's awake times should be (a biggie for me, because Bean is a very alert little baby and could easily go for two or three hours without napping, when he should only be awake for about an hour at his age), how to recognise the signs of over-stimulation, how to calm your baby, and how to introduce a gentle, flexible routine. Worth every cent, I tell ya!

4. Baby Wipes 
You know how everyone urges you to start stockpiling the nappies when you first discover that you're pregnant? Well, this is me telling you to buy two packs of baby wipes for every bag of nappies that you purchase. Seriously. You go through these things like crazy! My favourites? Huggies Pure Wipes, which are suitable for sensitive skins and are made of a thick, super-absorbent cloth, and Johnson's Baby Skincare Wipes, which are fragrance-free and can also be used to remove makeup (score for mom!). I've just opened a pack of Pure Beginnings Gentle Bamboo Baby Wipes and I'm really enjoying these - they're super-moist (which is great when you're dealing with one of those giant, leaky poos - sorry for the TMI!), and I love the fresh, herbal-y scent. Another plus? They contain organic aloe, which is super-soothing on baby's sensitive skin.

5. Fissan Every Day Bum Cream and Fissan Baby Paste
I've tried several bum creams in the two short months that I've been a mom (again, you won't believe how many tubs of these babies you'll go through in a week!), and Fissan Every Day Bum Cream and Fissan Baby Paste are at the the top of my list. I tried the Fissan Baby Paste after Bean developed slight redness after using another brand of bum cream and I was amazed when it cleared up the redness literally between nappy changes. I bought a tub of Fissan Every Day Bum Cream to use after every nappy change, reserving the Baby Paste for emergencies (I haven't needed it at all since switching to the Every Day Bum Cream).

6. White noise
Another tip I gleaned off the pages of Your Sensory Baby and one we haven't gone without since the early days. BabySense has a wonderful CD that you can buy (pictured), but my husband simply downloaded some white noise off the internet and we've been playing that for Bean at bedtime ever since. If you battle to get your little one to sleep, give white noise a try - it reminds them of the womb environment (which is pretty noisy with all that digestive gurgling, your heartbeat, your voice...) and helps babies to sleep deeper and for longer.

7. Balm Balm Baby Bath and Body Oil
I was lucky enough to receive a sample of this bath and body oil from the lovely folks over at Balm Balm, and they'll be thrilled to know that I've already finished that bottle and have just purchased my second bottle. I love this stuff! I spritz a few sprays into Bean's bath water (he's only recently started enjoying bath time - before, he'd scream throughout and I would often skip the all-important moisturising step. Adding Balm Balm Baby Bath and Body Oil to his water ensured that his skin stayed soft and moisturised on days when I didn't apply lotion to his little body), and I warm up a few drops in my palms before applying all over his body. I've been reading up on baby massage recently and I'm keen to give it a go - this little beauty will definitely come in handy then!

What are your essential baby buys? Tell me in the comments below or join my Beautiful Mama Facebook page - a little space where new and expecting moms can go for support, advice, or simply to swap baby stories. Please pop by the page and give it a like - and send all your pregnant or new mommy friends there, too!