10 Things I though I needed As A New Mom

1. Dreft laundry detergent for washing my newborns clothing: We didn't have any issues with skin irritation on Olivia. We decided to use all free and clear detergent. This option came in large sizes for much less of a cost until we started washing everyone's cloths together instead of separating items.

2. Swaddles sacks and swaddle blankets: Olivia hated being swaddled as the NICU was constantly doing this to keep her body temperature up. She would pull out one arm at a time no matter how tight they wrapped her.

3. Infant socks of all types: We realized quickly that you will drive yourself crazy chasing socks as the baby kicks them off. In less than 10 seconds Olivia would have one sock or both off her feet. We ended up doing some research and bought boots that velcro on and this was the solution to keep Olivia's feet warm and avoiding chasing socks.

4. Cloth bibs of any kind: We tried them for awhile and realized quickly that burp cloths work just as well and due to Olivia being a preemie the bibs didn't fit right and she was bother by things being around her neck. Most of the feeding we did there was a bib tucked into her onesie or laid across her chest to catch anything.

5. Changing table in the nursery: Most of the diaper changes we did occurred on the bed, couch, or floor. We didn't want to run into the nursery in the dark to change Olivia. A simple foldable changing pad did the trick and the quicker we could get the diaper changed the less likely it was for her to wake up fully and refuse to go to sleep.

6. Bottle Sterilizer: We started with the dishwasher container, microwavable sterilizer and the throwaway sterilizer bags. For the first 6 months we used a combo of the 3 items we had. Soon it became too much to keep up with and we resorted to soaking everything in hot, soapy water followed by rinsing while scrubbing with bottle brushes before putting on the bottle rack.

7. Binkie buddies: The stuff toys that are attached to the binkie to make it easier for the infant to hold onto and to make it harder to lose. We had one and used it for a week tops and ended up just attaching the binkie clip to it and onto her outfit instead. She got used to throwing the stuff animal and would get upset as the binkie would go with it.

8. Bumbo Seat: Like many of the other items we had from our baby shower and preparing for everything we had one of these seats. We leaved that it wasn't Olivia's top choice to sit in and learned that she would rather be on the boppy or in her swing. The seat was shaped in a way that allowed her to slump and fall over.

9. Head bands or bows: They are very fashionable and a cute way to show off your baby girl. They are not going to stay on and your baby will find themselves very frustrated within the first 10 minute with it on. Of course buy them and take pictures, but don't stress over them coming off quickly. If you are lucky to have a baby that doesn't mind wearing them consider yourself the envy of your mom group.

10. Button up Onesie: They are so much cheaper than the single or double zipper ones, but save yourself the frustration and stress in the future. These are the worst to deal with in the middle of the night or during a sleep deprived moment. Once one snap is out of order the whole thing looks like a mess. Not to mention your baby is fighting you as you try to fix the error.