Written for Daily Hive by Erin Sousa, brand strategist and new mom to four-month-old Lola
2020 has been a YEAR for most of us. It has also been the year we welcomed our daughter, Lola! We are choosy with what we bring into our home, so I’ve put together my list of must have faves for new moms (my personal fave may be that something sparkly?!) and baby, too!
Happy shopping.
See also:
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- Here’s how you can help your favourite local restaurant this holiday season
- 5 best edible advent calendars available across Canada
Owlet
This one is a game changer for new parents. The Owlet Smart Sock 3 ($399) is a baby wearable that sits inside a washable sock and quietly and continuously watches over your baby to track heart rate and oxygen levels. If baby’s levels fall outside safe zones, it will let you know if your baby really needs you. It has helped us sleep well knowing Lola is being monitored while we snooze.
MIKU Baby Monitor
I keep an eye on Lola when she is in her crib with the Miku Baby Video Monitor ($399). It tracks baby’s breathing, sound, motion, room temperature and humidity. No physical contact is needed – just connect it to your smart phone for real-time updates. And I love that there is music and sound options for her, plus two way voice so I can speak to her.
Wooden Baby Gym
We’ve used this Wooden Activity Frame ($69.99, Amazon) since she was about three weeks – it was a gift from a friend and has been something that keeps baby entertained. She loves playing with it laying on her back, and I also use it over her baby bouncer so she has something to play with while we get things done around the house. I love the look of it too!
Tiny Zen Memory Name Necklace
A perfect gift for a new mama (or yourself!). I had one made as soon as I knew what my baby’s name would be and wore it in the hospital. Personalize it with any name and keep wear it always – they also have amazing options with multiple names, or even ones that say MAMA. (from $139, Tiny Zen Memory)
MIFA Body Wash
A long shower can be a luxury for new moms, right?! I’m all about making it a bit of an event, and turning those 5-10 minutes into a mini spa experience. This body wash is 100% natural, and the eucalyptus instantly relaxes me, while the plant emollients soothe and soften my skin. (from $10, MIFA)
Numpfer Cloths
An at home and diaper bag essential! Made from organic bamboo terry cloth, these super soft cloths ($14, Numpfer) can be used as a bib, burp cloth and washcloth. They are the perfect shape and size, and they are the softest things ever. I reach for these several times a day!
Rock ABaby Service
Ah, the gift of sleep. Have you ever heard of “sleep teaching” your baby? We started sleep teaching Lola at about 8 weeks. I’ve relied on my friend and Baby Guru, Desiree Russell, who helps parents rest easy by teaching (not training) their babies healthy sleep habits at an early age with one-on-one sessions! She’s the key to a restful household. ($199, RockaBaby)
Melanie Auld Diamond Band
I love my Melanie Auld Diamond Tilt band ($995, Melanie Auld) that my husband got for me after we had our baby. It’s such a special piece to commemorate her birth and I wear it with my wedding band every day.
Wooden Advent Calendar
A cute (and crafty) way to countdown to Christmas, and owned by a mama who makes these Advent Calendars ($260, Etsy) herself here in Vancouver. I am looking forward to filling these little drawers with cute trinkets, activities and experiences that enrich the holidays for many years to come.
Baby Bjorn Bouncer Balance Soft
This one is definitely on my must have on my list for every parent and baby. The Baby Bjorn Bouncer ($249.95, WestCoast Kids) is the perfect way to keep your little one entertained while you’re making dinner or running around the house. Lola loves hers, especially when we throw the baby gym with it. And it requires no batteries – it moves when the baby moves!