Favorite Things for a 0 to 3 Month Old

I thought it would be helpful to write down my favorite things for a 0 to 3 month old so when I have my next child I will be able to remember what a newborn needs/wants. This list will also be helpful to those of you that will have children someday or are about to become a grandparent.

1. Long Sleeve Oneies - For some reason most people get you short sleeve onesies. I prefer the long sleeve ones so that I know the baby is warm enough.
2. Pajamas - A must have. Especially for using as part of the nighttime routine.
3. Robeez - Pennington doesn't really wear them much yet but it is soooo true that they are the only shoes that stay on. I wouldn't bother buying anything else.
4. Organic Receiving Blankets or just any Organic Blankets - The receiving blankets can be used for the first two or three weeks as an actual blanket. After that you can use them as a burp cloth. Organic is the way to go. They are sooooo much softer and you don't have to worry about the baby chewing on it.
5. Books which big pictures. - Pennington loves to be read to. I think the bigger the pictures are the easier it is for him to see at this age.
6. Toys (Rings) - Pennington loves to hold wood or plastic rings in his hands. He is not really in to mobiles or stuffed animals yet. Sort of likes the rattle.
7. Playtex Ventaire Bottles (BPA Free of course) - These are a must have if you are bottle feeding or breastfeeding. The lactation people recommend them because they are the closest to a human nipple. The Avent bottles are also pretty good. I don't like Born Free. Also, if you are bottle feeding I would say to get at least 8 bottles if not more.
8. Bathtub with a foam pad - Pennington has a foam pad that is in the shape of a frog. I love it because it is comfortable for him to lay on, it can get wet, and you don't have be worry about the baby moving around.
9. Aveeno Baby Lotion - You have to buy the high quality stuff especially when the child has dry skin. J&J doesn't cut it. I also like Methods but Aveeno Baby is better. Baby oil, or other oils such as olive oil can also be helpful to keep your child's skin from getting dry.
10. Chlorine Free Diapers and Baby Wipes (Seventh Generation or Earth's Best) - You can feel the difference when you touch it. They are more gentle on the skin especially the wipes. FYI- these diapers are just as cheap if not cheaper than Huggies and Pampers when you buy a 40 to 50 pack. So ask yourself why you would buy Huggies or Pampers if the Chlorine Free ones are cheaper and better for your child. Huggies and Pampers are cheaper when you buy a pack that has more than 200. Huggies does make a chlorine free diaper but you only get 30 in the pack for the same price as a 40 pack from Seventh Generation or Earth's Best. Basically don't ever assume the chlorine free diapers are more expensive because most of the time that isn't the case.
11. Music - Doesn't really matter if it is baby music, classical, rock, or alternative. Any music works. I would just listen to the music I like. Pennington loves it when I sing the songs to him.
12. Chicco Infant Car Seat - There is a reason that mom's recommend this car seat. It is super easy to use. Only draw back is that the shade on the car seat doesn't move all the way around for when you put the car seat in the stroller. Having a shade that moves all the way around helps for when you are on a walk and the sun is shining.
13. Slings and Front Carriers - Honestly I don't really love either of the ones I have. I don't think Pennington really likes the sling all that much and the front carrier I have (Chicco brand) doesn't have clips all the way down the side of it so it is hard to get Pennington out of it without waking him up if he is sleeping. I don't think any of the other front carrier brands have clips all the way down the side. You would think that I'm not the first mom to complain about this but I haven't found a front carrier with clips all the way down the sides.
14. Pack and Play (aka Playpin) - I have the Chicco one and I love it. We used the Pack and Play (bassinet portion) for the first month or so in our bedroom so that Pennington could sleep in the same room with us. It is also helpful to lay Pennington in it when I am getting ready in the morning. It has a mobile and it plays music. We are planning on taking it up to the cabin for Thanksgiving so he can have a place to sleep.
15. Formula - While I am still really sad that breastfeeding didn't work out I have figured out how to get formula for about 50% off. Enfamil sends you a ton of $5 checks in the mail to use on your purchases and Fred Meyer gives you $5 off coupons for Enfamil. Today I was at Fred Meyer and they had a sale on Enfamil for $23. It is normally $25. So with the $5 check from Enfamil and the $5 off coupon I got a can of formula for $13.