Year One + My Top 5 Newborn Essentials

I can’t believe our baby girl is a year old! I remember the joy of bringing her home from the hospital and the feeling of pride in having my very own child! Those first couple of sleepless nights were preparing me for the next steps. It felt like we were in a never ending washing machine cycle, and when it came time for the cycle to come to an end, it was like it stated all over again. From the cluster feeding, to pumping, to endless diaper changes, to washing and sterilizing bottles and pump parts, the “fourth trimester” was by far, the most challenging. I still cherish those moments because this time allowed me to create such a memorable bond with my child. Now that she is quickly progressing into the toddler stage, snuggles and cuddles are becoming less frequent. Our rambunctious little girl is gaining her independence more and more each day. This first year of motherhood has taught me a lot about myself as far as my capabilities as a woman, and I have tapped into a different level of patience! Witnessing this little human being depend on me and her dad for her every want and need, I have developed a deeper understanding of unconditional love! I’m also able to fully understand the sacrifices that my parents made for me while I was growing up. As my baby grows and changes each day, I’ve grown to be more confident in my role as mother, and I genuinely love and enjoy every aspect of motherhood!

Photography: Smile & Reflect Photography

As I reflected on my first year of motherhood over the past couple of weeks, I curated a list of my top 5 favorite newborn essentials that were helpful in my first few months of motherhood!

A baby carrier was baby carrier played a major role during the newborn stage for our family. We used the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier, and Raelynn loved it as much as I did! I was able to do household chores while still being able to enjoy some snuggle time.
Whoever started the phrase "sleep like a baby" must not experienced how babies sleep! From confusing their days and nights as a newborn, to sleep regression every other month, babies sleep patterns tend to change quite frequently throughout their first year of life. Raelynn enjoyed sleeping during the day and parting at night! We used a DocATot lounger primarily for her daytime naps for the first few months. Rather we were lounging on the couch at home or visiting family on the weekend, this lounger went everywhere with us!
We learned early on that Raelynn did not like sleeping in silence. It was like if she went to sleep in silence, she would wake back up within minutes opposed to falling asleep with the TV or vacuum cleaner going which she slept right through! We purchased the Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine, and it was so helpful. With the sound machine, we noticed that she slept for longer stretches at night.
I remember watching YouTube videos while I was pregnant about unnecessary items that new mom regret buying, and burb cloths kept being named as one of those items. After having Raelynn, burp cloths became an everyday accessory for Randy and I. Raelynn had mild reflux for the first 6 months, and we were constantly going through burp cloths. The Keababies burp cloths were the most absorbent!
With living in multi-story house, going up and down the stairs during night time feedings quickly became tiresome! When she was about 2 weeks old, we decide to set up a mini refrigerator and feeding station in Raelynn's nursery. In the fridge, I stored bottles, breast pump parts, and various drinks for myself and Randy. We also added bottle warmer on top of the fridge to keep from having to downstairs to warm bottles.