Why do I need this? There's so much to know!
How do I use it? Reference this booklet for explanations on why and how to use each product in the bundle, evidence-based cheat sheets with tips and advice on common issues and questions, and words of wisdom and support from other parents.
Why do I need this? For lots of different uses. Muslin is a fabric usually made of cotton that has a loose weave, which makes it soft, breathable, and airy. Many muslin blankets are marked as swaddle blankets, but really they're useful for so much else (and ironically, many parents don't find them to be that great for swaddling).
How do I use it? To use as a swaddle, your best bet is to look up a video on YouTube. You can also use it as a sun shield on the stroller or car seat; lightweight baby blanket; on-the-go changing mat; burp cloth; nursing cover; bib; shopping cart cover; makeshift tummy time or play time mat; and to protect furniture, the floor, or your lap from spitup and blowouts. If you're creative enough, you will surely find other uses too!
Which brand? Your muslin swaddle is from Aden & Anais, a brand that has become synonymous with high quality lightweight cotton muslin swaddles. The brand was founded by an Australian mom of four who was inspired by her country's legacy of swaddling babies in cotton muslin blankets, which at the time were not available in the US. Your swaddle is 100% organic cotton, naturally hypoallergenic, and GOTS certified, meaning it was created with natural farming methods and without any synthetic chemicals so it's great for babies' sensitive skin.
Why do I need this? Cloth bibs absorb milk dribble, drool, and spitup so you don't have to change your baby's shirt or onesie as frequently.
How do I use it? Use bib to protect clothes and to dab drool from baby's chin to prevent drool rash. Wash before use. Machine wash cold with like items. Tumble dry low.
Which brand? The Little Unicorn cloth bandana bib is made from multiple thick layers of 100% cotton muslin, making it one of the most absorbent bibs on the market. It is reversible, contoured, and has snap adjustments in the back for a comfortable fit for all size babies as they grow.
Why do I need this? Pacifiers have been used for centuries to soothe fussy babies. This is because sucking is a natural reflex in newborns (nature's way of prepping them for feeding) and has a calming effect. There are many other ways to comfort your baby if they don't take to the pacifier or you prefer not to use one.
How do I use it? Try offering the first time by brushing it against your relaxed baby's cheek and lips. Some parents find dipping it in breastmilk or formula helps babies be interested in it. Others use a "bait and switch" method to teach baby: at the end of a feed, remove breast or bottle, replace with pacifier, then pull it away a bit—many babies will suck harder to pull it back into the mouth. Never force your baby to take one. If you're nursing, the AAP advises waiting a few weeks before using one so baby can establish a good latch first.
Which brand? BIBS pacifiers have flown off the shelves ever since they made their debut in the US from the brand's home base in Denmark. Parents love them for many reasons: they come in beautiful colors, are still designed and manufactured in Denmark after 40 years, are made of only the highest quality materials, and are designed to mimic the shape and soft materials of mothers' breast. The nipple is produced from natural rubber latex and the pacifier has a valve that lets out air when the baby closes down on the nipple, thereby flattening the nipple to shape naturally with the baby's oral cavity.
Why do I need this? Pacifier clips are useful for keeping baby's pacifier from getting dirty or lost from falling on the ground. You can also use it to attach toys to the stroller or car seat.
How do I use it? Attach one end to the pacifier and the other to your baby's shirt. Never leave baby unsupervised while using. Always remove it when your baby sleeps. Do not attach to cords, ribbons, or belts. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and mild soap, and air dry.
Which brand? Moms love this pacifier clip from Itzy Ritzy because it is easy to clean, goes with any outfit, and doesn't get wet or stained like some cloth straps do. This clip is made from 100% food grade silicone, the secure clasp is gentle on clothes, and the silicone cord is easy to attach to almost any pacifier, teether, or small toy.
Why do I need this? Side-opening bodysuits are onesies with a flap or tie that opens and closes to the side instead of the middle of the belly. They are popular for newborns because they avoid the sensitive umbilical cord area and many parents find them easier than over-the-head clothes to put on and take off.
How do I use it? Wash before use. Machine wash cold with mild detergent. Tumble dry low.
Which brand? The Bonsie body suit is special because it is designed specifically to promote skin-to-skin contact, which is enabled by its two double layered flaps that fully expose baby's chest and belly for skin-to-skin without having to fully undress the baby. It's made from a bamboo-cotton-spandex blend that offers a soft and breathable fit, washes easily, and holds up well.
Why do I need this? Babies' fingernails grow fast and can be surprisingly sharp. Since babies don't have good control over their movements at first, it's easy for them to accidentally scratch themselves. A good pair of adjustable mittens solves this while also keeping their hands warm.
How do I use it? Put them on your baby's hands and secure them using the adjustable snap closure. Machine wash on delicate. You can tumble dry on low, but air dry for best results.
Which brand? Goumi was one of the first brands to develop adjustable and secure newborn mitts to help prevent your baby from accidentally scratching themselves. The mitts are made with super-soft viscose from bamboo and organic cotton, and moms love them because they are easy to put on and hard for babies to wriggle off their hands. They also feature Goumi's signature black and white pattern on the reversible side of the mitt to boost brain development.
Why do I need this? It's truly incredible how dramatically babies change and develop from month-to-month over the first year. Lots of parents like to take a snapshot of their baby's monthly milestones to keep track and have an organized memory of this evolution to look back on later.
How do I use it? Place the monthly milestone marker next to your baby either on the floor, in their crib, or propped up on a chair and snap a pic!
Which brand? We designed and sourced these especially for you! We want you to have a beautiful and unique milestone market set that can also be used as cute décor in your baby's nursery well beyond their 12-month photo shoot. This gender-neutral moon & clouds milestone marker set is made of the highest quality all natural birch wood.
Why do I need this? Your baby experiences a big temperature change from your womb to the outside world and can lose heat from an uncovered head, especially if they don't have much hair. This is why nurses put hats on newborns in the hospital.
How do I use it? Put the hat on your baby during the early days in the hospital, but feel free to take it off during skin-to-skin contact so you can give your baby lots of head kisses! After the early hospital days, your baby doesn't need to wear a hat inside and should not wear one while sleeping. Do put a hat on your baby when you go outside if it's chilly out.
Which brand? Copper Pearl is one of the most widely-loved brand on the market for top knot hats. Their hats are ultra-soft, comfortable, and provide the perfect amount of stretch, which parents love because they fit snugly and comfortably on different head sizes.