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Newborn Necessities – swaddling blankets make the cut
By Stephanie | May 2, 2008
In our commercial culture, big companies often bully their way into our homes by implying that we need much more than we actually do to keep our baby comfortable and happy. But newborns really need so little.
My list of necessities (I realize everyone’s list is a little different) includes:
- Diapers and wipes
- Burp cloths
- A nose sucker thingamabob
- Onesies and sleepers
- A car seat
- A stroller
- A couple of swaddling blankets
- A baby carrier (or two or three) and – the most important thing of all-
- Love and attention.
That’s about it. [Notice I left out a crib, but that's for another post...].
Anyway, swaddling blankets definitely made my list of necessities. When I think back on the sleepy, overwhelming, emotional, and magical moments of newborndom, I remember that swaddling was a huge lifesaver. We never had anything quite as fancy as the Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket (we used plain old receiving blankets), but – even so – being securely swaddled always seemed to calm our little “burrito.”
Our daughter must not be the exception because plenty of sleep experts – including Harvey Karp, Elizabeth Pantley, and Bob Sears – recommend swaddling as a fantastic way to soothe newborns. In fact, swaddling is one of Harvey Karp’s famous five “S”’s. [P.S. If you want some super ideas to help your baby sleep longer, I highly recommend Dr. Karp's "Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD.]
I’m excited to try the Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket when we get pregnant with and have baby #2. After reading about the benefits of the blanket, I have a feeling that we’ll use it all of the time.
P.S. If you need a refresher about how to swaddle, here’s a one-minute video from YouTube.
While we’re on the topic, what items made your “newborn necessity” list or – perhaps even more interesting – what common items didn’t make your list?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Loving Baby Swaddle Blanket in the color of his/her choice. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post prior to Friday, May 9 at midnight (don’t forget to follow the rules). The winner will be announced and contacted on Saturday, May 10. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
*UPDATE* The winner is #20 Teri Meairs. Congratulations!
Topics: contests, newborn care | 152 Comments »
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I completly agree with your list, mostly the love & attention & the deletion of the “almighy crib”. I would love that post. I like these swaddling blankets, the white is my fav. there is something about a newborn in clean, crisp white that i love.
mcginnisfamily5(at)gmail(dot)com
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:03 am
What’s necessary? A good, clean, loving home…the rest is window dressing.
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:56 am
I loved Dr. Karp’s Happiest Newborn book with our first baby! It really worked! I would love to try a swaddler blanket with our next one (due in Oct)! Some of my necessity items are similar, but I also have to have my breast pump and and these great pump sterilizer bags from Medela, I love them!!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:03 am
Wow!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:19 am
swaddle are so comforting
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:24 am
I had to have a baby seat that I could sit on the bathroom floor so that I could get a quick shower!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:32 am
Swaddlers are great. I haven’t ever had one with any of my kids, but I loved wrapping them myself. It helped sooo much.
I never found a use for the nose sucky thingy, but, I know my father swore by it.
I love co-sleepers though. I love to sleep with my babies but, after a little while, I worry about them getting too warm so I put them into the co-sleeper. It’s great. I have my own bedspace, but I can pull them in with me whenever I want, and I can breastfeed them without having to get up. On those cold Colorado nights, I really don’t wanna get out of bed!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
We’re trying to conceive and this would come in handy!!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:07 am
Totally agree – it is a must for any newborn! LOVE it & so does my little Lucy!
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 am
I have so much to figure out! Sabrina was 7 months old when we got her so I am clueless about newborns. I don’t know how to swaddle…I need to get myself to a library. But I am also of the school of thought that newborns don’t need a lot of anything but love and attention.
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 am
We didn’t need the crib until our daughter was almost 3 months old since she would only sleep with us or in the swing. Also, a swaddling blanket was a must. We used the Miracle Blanket, which was in fact a miracle. This one looks great too.
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 am
Since I am due in November, this would sure come in handy.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:22 am
This would be so great to win since I am having a baby next month.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:45 am
I bought Dr. Karp’s Happiest Baby on the Block for my bestfriend who is due in July, I loved swaddling blankets with my children, so if I win I would give it to her, to use on the new baby Callie !
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
Our beautiful, tranquil, calming swing! It was completley worthless! I love, love, loved it! ….before baby came. Then, he decided it wasn’t really all it was cracked up to be, wouldn’t sleep in it, would chill in it for maybe 5 mins, then want to be held or put into his real bed. Our sensative little guy just didn’t dig the contraption nearly as much as I hoped he would. It took me months to take it apart and put it away….I had such high hopes for my swing. sigh. Oh well. …maybe the next baby will like it almost as much as I do
Yes, swaddles were great too. Until Devin learned how to break out of them! …we went against the flow and turned him into a paci-free tummy sleeper at 4 months. Worked wonders!! We were all finally sleeping!
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
I don’t know what we will actually consider necessities once the little one arrives, but I think we have everything on your list!
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Love those blankets.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:46 am
really nice blanket
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:16 am
I want to win!
May 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 am
We like the Mellow Yellow Mint. Lily will be here any minute..Erin is in labor…but not enough to go to the hospital! It is a nail-biting wait!
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:17 am
What’s necessary is a warm loving home, to raise your little one. This blanket would be perfect. Thanks for the giveaway.
May 3rd, 2008 at 11:23 am
having the warmth and comfort one deserves.
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
love it in blue
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:05 pm
The diaper genie was used only once…terrible product!
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:10 pm
This is a great prize.
May 3rd, 2008 at 1:30 pm
The swaddling blankets are amazing! Especially for the baby is wants to be held allot!
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
And you’ve got to have a camera!
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
would love one of these.
May 3rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
My list of newborn necessities is pretty similar to yours. We didn’t use the nose sucker thing much for my daughter, but that may be because we’re in a more humid climate. I will add that I couldn’t have lived without a pair of infant nail clippers (man, those suckers grow fast) and an infant tub for bathing.
May 3rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Swaddling blanket…now that’s a rel necessity.
May 3rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Looks handy.
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
My baby cant sleep with out one and I could really use two. thanks for the chance
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Love it!
May 3rd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Been many a year since I was a new mama but even back then we were taught to swaddle our babies from the get-go. I would love to win this for my newest great-grandgirl that is due in August.
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I have to teach my sister how to swaddle her newborn
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
A bassinet or cradle is a mus ton the list for baby. Earplugs for Mom (Dad shouldn’t see this list)!
May 3rd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I would say my boppy pillow has to be on the list of must have’s. My neck felt so much better after using the pillow. I never could get the hang of how to do the swaddle would love to win a blanket to make it easier. thanks.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
A couple of swaddle blankets are on my list.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
GREAT PRIZES!!!
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:33 pm
The bouncy seat was a must have with our son. We tried everything with him; walking, bouncing, baby swing, rocking, the only thing that worked was putting him in the bouncy seat and lightly bouncing him. At night, swaddling blankets are a must as well. My sister in law is due in June and I’ve already bought a bouncy seat for her and plan on buying swaddling blankets too.
May 3rd, 2008 at 9:45 pm
The swaddling blanket would be perfect for my young friend who is expecting her first child.
May 4th, 2008 at 6:57 am
I’ve heard bottle warmers and crib bumpers are an unnecessary purchase. However, bouncy seats or activity mats, and a bumbo are ‘must haves’.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:40 am
This would make a great gift for my best friend!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:51 am
You know I love this item, and would make a great addition to my available blankets!
May 4th, 2008 at 8:10 am
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
May 4th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Would love to win this for my new granddaughter born 4/28/2008. Thanks for the contests.
May 4th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Your list sounds pretty much dead on with what I’d say too.
My little (4.5 yr old) guy still sleeps with me.
May 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Would make a great gift for a relative who is pregnant and due in August.
May 4th, 2008 at 11:03 am
This would be great for my granddaughter due in July!
May 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
What a wonderful idea!
May 4th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
the wipes warmer totally didn’t work for us!! it just dried the wipes out!!
great site!! i would love to win this for my expecting bf!! thanks!!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I’ve got a baby coming in August. This would be perfect for him.
May 4th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Oh, so true about swaddling!! We called our two girls our “baby burritos”, too! My youngest, especially loved to be swaddled! We, too, just used a receiving blanket, but I love that they are designing blankets just for swaddling now! My sister-in-law is due in September and this would be great for my new niece!!! Thanks for offering!
~Tanya
the4moyers(at)msn(dot)com
May 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Oh yes, swaddling blankets was number one! My boys loved them and so did I. I got more sleep because they got more sleep. I got more done because they were content. They really were happy babies in the swaddle wrap. They wore them so much that I had to toss the last one so I’d love to win another one for this new baby.
May 4th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I really want to try this with my baby due in cold December.
May 4th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
My baby girl loves to be swaddled this and this blanket looks like one she would love. Thanks!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Roses are red
Violets are blue
A swaddled baby is quiet
And happy when new!
May 4th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I have heard it is very good to swaddle your child.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
this looks so comforting for the baby.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Great product
May 4th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
This is a must have for any parent.
May 4th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Hmmm…the swing was pretty invaluable. What totally didn’t work? Changing table! Who has time at 2 am to go to the other room and start changing a baby? Ha! We changed him on our bed and put a pad down. Now he is too mobile to lay on a changing table!
I have a few of these and my baby is definitely too old at present so please don’t enter me!
: )
May 4th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
everyone told me I need a babywipe heater and bottle warmer. I never used either that was bought for me. to my list I would add lanoin nipple cream (if you nurse)
May 4th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
Hey Stephanie,
I tried to write you back, but the e-mail bounced.
Wanna try me again?
Thanks!
May 5th, 2008 at 2:15 am
I’d like to win this for my newborn great-niece.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:48 am
This is a really nice blanket! Please enter me for baby #2 due in August!!
May 5th, 2008 at 7:11 am
A swaddle blanket is a must have! With our first, we stopped swaddling for the first month and after a month of horrible sleep we watched the Dr. Karp video and went back to swaddling and we all got better sleep. Swaddling is wonderful! A baby carrier is another must have in my book. Other need things include: diapers/wipes, clothes, car seat and stroller.
Things that I really didn’t use were burp cloths (tended to use receiving blankets instead). Also, didn’t have a specific changing area – so no changing table needed.
Both of my kids ended up keeping their swaddle blankets as their blankets, so we need a new one for this little guy coming in just a little over 2 weeks. It’ll be here before we know it!
May 5th, 2008 at 7:55 am
one thing that definitely didn’t make my list again was the grooming set. you basically get everything you need from the hospital.
May 5th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Swaddling worked wonders for my son who is almost 21 months. I would love to have this for my daughter who is due August 15. Thanks for the great giveaway!
mmalavec@med.umich.edu
May 5th, 2008 at 9:23 am
enter me!
May 5th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Would love this for my grandson.
May 5th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I’m due in October and I need a swaddling blanket! What a great giveaway! Thanks for offering this….
May 5th, 2008 at 10:13 am
I want this badly! Pick me! Thanks for a great offer!
May 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am
cute
May 5th, 2008 at 11:37 am
please count this grandpa in
May 5th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I think the Loving Yellow Mellow mint swaddle. I also like the fact that these swaddles have no pockets, snaps, arm straps, buttons, zippers, or velcro. It helps ease those fears I have with some of the other products that do contain those.
May 5th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
so soft & pretty
May 5th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
great list – swaddling blankets are a must
May 5th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I would really love to win this for my brand new nephew!
May 5th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Great gift!
May 5th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Cute little blue blanket.
May 5th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
perfect for my little boy. i would love this
May 5th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
calvin’s a happiest baby on the block baby. we STILL swaddle him for sleep and he’s 6 months-old. otherwise, he still gets restless and wakes more frequently (during naptime, he’ll just roll around and play and then get frustrated). we’ll get rid of the swaddle once he sleeps through the night (please be soon!!!) we may swaddle this boy until he’s 12 (just kidding)
list of MUST HAVEs: cloth wipes, cloth diapes, swaddles, nursing cover (we live with extended family), sling/baby bjorn, baby nail clippers, grapeseed oil/almond oil/apricot oil for baby’s bum (way easier to wipe off meconium on the skin!!)
May 6th, 2008 at 5:34 am
This is a lifesaver for new parents.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am
How cool! Please enter me!
May 6th, 2008 at 11:39 am
A camera – so you don’t miss out on any memories
May 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
I have a niece who just announced she is expecting. What a great gift this would make.
May 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Please enter me.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
I am an excited Grandma-to-be. I love it.
May 6th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
what a happy baby to have this!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Really want to get one of these for baby due in October. I just saw the Karp DVD and believe we could have swaddled/calmed more the first time around and it would have been easier!
May 6th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
just to cool
May 6th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I love swaddlers. I swaddled my first son until he was 6 months old and I really think it was what helped him sleep through the night. I’m currently swaddling my newborn son but he is starting to outgrow it so I could really use this one. I’d love a blue one for sure!
I actually hate the baby fingernail clippers. I find it a lot harder to judge exactly where it will cut and getting close enough is hard. I prefer just standard adult sized myself. Works a lot easier.
May 6th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Oh gosh, I really need a new swaddling blanket. Our “work horse” miracle blanket has a big hole in it!
Must Haves: Good Baby Carrier. I love my Ergo for bigger babies, my Kangaroo Korner Fleece pouch or a stretcy wrap for tiny babies and my ring sling for nursing.
Don’t Need: Crib! We spent a fortune on a crib for our oldest and after four kids no one has ever slept in it.
Cosleeping, swing sleeping and playpen sleeping because I’m too short to lay a sleeping baby in a crib without waking them!!
May 6th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I’ve been through 2 babies and neither one has ever spent a single night in the expensive crib or bassinet that we have! LOL!
Love swaddle blankies!!
May 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
i used to swaddle my son and daughter
May 7th, 2008 at 8:19 am
Just had a baby, this would be a great prize. We’ve been swaddling her in a blanket.
May 7th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Swaddling blankets are the best thing going!!
May 7th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Would love to win
May 7th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Very cute!!! Please enter my name, THANK YOU!!
May 7th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
enter me
May 7th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Such a great thing to have!
May 7th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I loved swaddling my babies and this blanket looks great!
May 7th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
would love to win this for a co-worker
May 8th, 2008 at 2:40 am
This would be great for my DIL’s new baby.
Ultra Sound says it’s another boy…sigh
May 8th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Great giveaway- I would love this for my best friend who’s expecting twins after a very long wait for motherhood:)
May 8th, 2008 at 7:01 am
Yep, you listed all of the important necessities! I wish I had known all of those BEFORE I had a baby.
Thanks for the giveaway.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Perfect present for a newborn AND the parents, the baby will be comforted and mom and dad can sleep a little…
May 8th, 2008 at 8:41 am
I had this bear shaped body sponge that I would lay my son on in the tub ( it was as big as a baby, of course). It kept him in place so I could wash him and not be afraid of him slipping out of my hands.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:44 am
My daughter is 11 months old and doesn’t want to be swaddled anymore, but I would love to win this for my friend who’s due in July. Swaddling is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone, the baby’s a lot more relaxed and feels more secure.
Thanks for the giveaway.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:41 am
would love this for our daughter
May 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
You can get by without many of the so-called necessities, but it’s nice to have plenty of blankets because they tend to need washing frequently (spit-up and other issues…)
May 8th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I didn’t have a lot of things. I didn’t even need most of the things I had. My daughter ended up sleeping in the bed with me, would never take a bottle or sippy cup or pacifier, refused to be swaddled, outgrew most clothes before wearing them and we never needed the nursing pillow. lots of t-shirts, diapers,a nasal aspirator,diapers and some kind of little seat will pretty much carry you through the first 6 months!
May 8th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Great blanket!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I would love to win the mellow yellow mint blanket for my baby girl. She *needs* to be swaddled at night and I could really use it! Thanks for the entry!
May 8th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I’d like to try this! What items didn’t make me list is more like it. I’m not really one of those moms who have to have all the ‘new things’. I get the basics and go with the flow of things. We don’t have a crib (not on this list) because we co sleep, no diaper changer, never use it. Is that enough?? Hee, hee. =)
May 8th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I know the babies really are quieter and happier when they are swaddled.
May 8th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
My niece is due in September and would certainly use this.
May 8th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I found burping cloths to be absolutely indispensable to me. My kids were spitters really bad and I went through so many of those!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I didn’t swaddle my first baby but I did with my last and I can say that it has made a big difference! My baby sleeps so much better and seems more calm and happy!
May 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
My friend is having her first baby soon would be a wonderful present for her.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Great Prize!
Thanks so much!
May 8th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Please enter me!
May 8th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
When my children were babies, I placed them on their abdomens EVERY time they slept. I accept the research which is now available. I will try to become comfortable with that “only on the back” sleeping..but I will always worry that they might aspirate any liquid which they might spit up
May 8th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Great product for baby.
May 9th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Looks warm and comfortable.
May 9th, 2008 at 3:02 am
A perfect gift for a friend
May 9th, 2008 at 4:01 am
A baby needs a snuggly blanket.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:04 am
They have these new chairs for babies out, (out in the last year or so) and its for babies who can just sit up, I can’t remember the name but it almost looks like part of an egg carton, they are really snug & secure in it. I WiSH I had that chair for my first 3 babies. I should have invented it. (Nobody knows what the heck I’m talking about-its early…)
May 9th, 2008 at 5:56 am
I can’t tell you what a difference the Miracle Blanket made with my last daughter. I’ve never heard of this brand of swaddling blanket, but I’d love to give it a try. I’m done with babies myself (?), so I’d be swaddling up my neighbor’s newborn in a couple of months!
May 9th, 2008 at 6:40 am
please enter me
May 9th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I like to have baby medicines available. I gift new parents with a newborn medicine “cabinet” with baby Tylenol, Motrin, gas drops, etc.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:48 am
My dd loves to be swaddled so swaddling blankets are on my must have list.
May 9th, 2008 at 9:56 am
My son loves being swaddled!
May 9th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Please enter me
May 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
wonderful giveaway!!!
May 9th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Pacifier, swing, and boppy pillow top the list!!! These swaddlers sound great!!!
May 9th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
would be perfect for my little angel on the way in 2 months…
May 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
My daughter’s due June 10. I’d love this for her.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Love and attention is first on my list. Swaddling blankets are great. I have a huge family and still have problems keeping the baby in the blanket.
May 9th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Th perfect gift from granmother. Many thanks and best of luck with many wished for Mother’s Day!!!!!!
May 9th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Swaddling is so comforting for the baby. After the shock of being removed from close quarters, the feeling of closeness has to feel absolutely wonderful to the newborn. I know swaddling was one of the key calming techniques we used with our children and will use with the new baby on the way as well.
May 9th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Warm and snug!
May 9th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
so warm and cozy count me in
May 9th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
This would be perfect for my little one we just had. Thanks for the giveaway!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
The blankets look so soft!
May 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I loved plain old cloth diapers. They do not fill up landfills and if organic and all cotton are good for the babies butt
May 9th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
With my other children I had to just swaddle them with a blanket. This will make it much easier.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
A blanket is a must.I sleep with a blanket
wrapped around me at night.Its a security thing
May 9th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Thanks for the tip; I had never even thought of swaddling our newborn! (The things we overlook as harried parents LOL)
May 9th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
please enter me thanks
May 9th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Diapers and wipes were a must.