Soft sleepers, teensy socks and cute diaper shirts are all adorable accessories for your newest arrival. But chances are, those aren’t the things you’re going to rely on in the early days of parenting. Keep reading for the items we know you’ll need in the first year.
Munchkin Touch-Free Baby Wipe Warmer with Nightlight and Motion Sensor
Sure, nighttime diaper changes aren’t the most glamorous part of the parenting gig, but this nifty gadget will make life easier for both parties. Not only does it warm wipes for more comfortable cleanup, but it also offers a touchless motion-sensor lid that automatically opens and closes so there’s less to disinfect. Also, the built-in nightlight provides a soft glow to give visibility but also keep the room dark during changing (it automatically turns off after 15 minutes!).
Available at Snuggle Bugz.
Munchkin Bluetooth-Enabled Lightweight Baby Swing
Anyone with kids can tell you an extra set of hands is priceless. The next best thing? This lightweight swing that gently sways from side-to-side, just like a parent would. Designed for babies from five to 20 pounds who cannot sit up or climb out, this swing is super simple to both set up and store, so it can be easily tucked away or toted along for a weekend at Grandma’s. The intuitive touchscreen display allows you to choose from five speeds (or you could use the included remote instead!). Pair the swing with your smartphone and play baby’s favourite lullabies.
Available at Walmart.ca.
Munchkin Secure Grip Waterproof Diaper Changing Pad
We hate to break it to you, but if you find newborns to be wriggly creatures, they only get squirmier. That’s just another reason why we love this waterproof change pad: Not only does it wipe down quickly, but it features rubber strips for extra grip as well as a safety strap. The soft contoured cushion keeps your little one cozy and fits most change tables, dressers and change pad covers.
Available at Amazon.ca.
Munchkin Night Light™ Baby In-Sight® Pivot Mirror
You’ll want to keep an eye on your most precious cargo while in the car, and this wide-angle adjustable mirror will give you the clearest sightline. Safety comes first: The easy-to-install accessory securely attaches to adjustable vehicle headrests and is shatter resistant and crash-tested. It features four glare-free LED lights on the lower third of the mirror to help illuminate your baby, or to entertain or soothe them. And it’s easy to control thanks to the remote with a timer.
Available at Babies R Us.
Munchkin Shhh…™ Baby Shusher
Your baby just spent nine months in the womb surrounded by ambient sounds—everything from mom’s heartbeat to her digestive system—so it’s no wonder that they love noise. As they adjust to life in this big, new world, the low humming of certain sounds (like the vacuum or your stove’s exhaust fan) can actually be comforting to a newborn. This portable machine does one better: It plays three sounds (shushing, a heartbeat and white noise) to help calm your baby and aid their sleep. It comes with batteries (no need for another charger!) and includes a convenient nightlight and timer.
Available at Walmart.ca.
Munchkin Bristle™ Bottle Brush
The amount of washing up that a baby creates is absolutely amazing, so we’re all for products that help get the job done faster and better. This bottle brush features a patented suction cup base, so it stays upright and clean on the counter. It also features a textured, easy-grip handle, and the nylon bristles are durable yet scratch-free for a thorough but gentle clean. This is one kitchen tool you won’t want to get rid of—even once the bottles are gone.
Available at Walmart.ca.
For more ways to prepare for your new baby, check out our Parenthood Essentials Hub.
