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So you’re having a baby this Summer! What do you need?

10 Must Haves for New Parents this Summer

By Leigh Aberle, Family First HSA June 7, 2021

Hi, my name is Leigh Aberle and I am a trained Newborn Care Specialist with over 13 years of experience in the childcare industry being an NCS, Nanny and bridging families with trustworthy, experienced household staff. I aspire to bring a gentle, supportive community-centered approach when working with parents. I am a three-time co-host of National Nanny Training Day, have spoken at Nannypalooza twice and continue to host monthly virtual workshops for both parents and nannies. If youre having a baby this summer I bet you are wondering what items you need to have on hand. 


Well, this girl has got you covered! I am going to share a few of my favorite things with you. I have been in countless households and have seen it all. When making a baby shower registry or just planning for the arrival of your little one, it can be overwhelming. In a world where you can literally get anything you could imagine, let me break down my favorite tools for you and why I think they could help you. 


1. A Miracle Blanket or Muslin Blanket

Infants have what we like to call the Startle Reflex, also known as the Moro Reflex. This response can disrupt your little one during naps and throughout the night. Essentially they are experiencing a loss of comfort from the womb. One way to make them feel safe and secure is to swaddle them. Who doesn’t love warm hugs?? I love using a Muslin swaddle but it can take some practice. Mushie carries organic swaddles which I love! You can find their swaddles by going to https://mushie.com/collections/swaddles-1/products/muslin-swaddle-blanket-100-organic-cotton-retro-cars

  • If you need a refresher on how to swaddle using a Muslin Blanket, this is a great tutorial by Nekole Amber!  
  • For a more simple route, the Miracle Blanket can be a lifesaver. For those who need instant gratification or have extra-strong babies, this could be very helpful. BuyBuy baby has multiple options - check them out here.


2. Hatch Baby Rest Sound Machine

This little guy is actually a dynamic duo! Not only is it a sound machine but its a night light. Playing white noise at night can help your little one sleep and drown out sounds for a more peaceful rest. You can connect this machine to your smartphone to manage the noise level and color of the night light. When its time to feed or change your little one the ideal color light is red. As opposed to white or blue lights (which stimulate your baby), data shows that red lights wont mess with your infant's circadian rhythm, so using this light should keep them in a restful state. Another great thing about the Hatch Baby is that you can use this through toddlerhood and beyond as well! With just the touch of a button, you can program your Hatch to turn red when your kids need to stay in bed and green when they can get up. 


3.Magnetic Pajamas! 

When its the middle of the night and you are sleep-deprived, magnetic PJs can change your life. I cant tell you how many times these have made a hard night bearable. Magnetic Me has adorable options! Not a fan of magnets? Try using a gown from kickeepants.com for easy diaper changes. 


4.Black Out Curtains 

The darker the room the better. Infants havent learned the difference between day and night so giving them a little help in this department can help you as well. When I care for infants overnight I shut all of the lights off, close the curtains, turn on the sound machine and cover any camera lights I see in the room. Pretty much any light except red light should be covered or off. In the morning I bring them out into a different room and feed them. This helps them know its time to get up as they start to learn day from night. 


5. A diaper Cream Spreader 

No need to get messy! Spoil yourself a little and get a diaper cream spreader. It makes things so much easier, more sanitary and way less messy! You can grab the Bum Co Baby Bum Brush from your local Target or Amazon. 


6.Anything from Lovevery! 

Loververy has high-quality toys that are useful from infant-hood and beyond. I dont know about you, but if I am going to spend money I want it to be worth it and something that can grow with each family I work with. The Lovevery Play Gym includes everything you need in an activity gym—from batting to teething to learning to focus—for a whole year of play. Designed by child development experts it comes with baby-tested removable accessories like: organic cotton high contrast Montessori ball, sustainably-sourced wooden batting ring, organic cotton teether with BPA-free silicone ring as well as a system of interchangeable cards: black and white, body, object, mirror plus a play guide with inspiration and activities from child development specialists. Its materials are made with 100% organic cotton, sustainably sourced wood, water-based non-toxic finishes, soy ink and is manufactured without BPA and phthalates. You can find their product here.


7.PopNGo 

There is nothing like spending time with family in the great outdoors. Whether its the beach, a lake, your local park or just your back yard - the PopNGo can keep your little one safe and in the shade. It comes with UV shade cover to block out those harmful sun rays and keep those pesky bugs away as well as a compact travel bag with a shoulder strap for easy portability. It comes in four different colors and also has a variety of mats you can choose from. 


8. A Linen Ring Sling

Being a parent is hard. Especially when trying to balance household chores, work, other kids, and you time. The best advice I can give you is to learn how to wear your baby. It makes doing life so much easier, plus you get to cuddle with them! According to a local baby wearer guru from the Charlotte Metro Baby Wearers group, linen ring slings are a popular choice for both newborns and bigger infants alike. The breathable, lightweight fabric in a single layer is a great option for summer. You can find some really great options from LoveHeld and Wrapsody. LoveHeld has some great tutorials and Wrapsody actually has a water-safe option! Dont let the price tags scare you off, baby carriers are not cheap but worth every penny. They are technically a second pair of hands! To save money you could ask a friend for a hand-me-down or even check out your local Baby Wearer group on facebook and see if they have a lending library that you can rent a wrap from. 


9. Fabletics Leggings with Pockets

Every time I jump in and care for an infant I wear my Fabletics leggings. I have countless pairs in all different colors. Why? Well, not only are they comfortable and cute but I can bend down easily in them, sleep in them, and they HAVE POCKETS! When you’re carrying a baby I can’t express enough how pockets will keep you sane. I keep an extra pacifier and my phone in my pockets. Fabletics also carries sizes XS to 4X. Plus when you sign up for the first time you get two pairs of leggings for only $24! You can use my link to check them out here. I don’t work for them and won’t earn money but I may earn some member credits if you use this link. 


10. Water, Food & Sleep

This might seem like a given, but the number one thing I see parents forget to do is take care of themselves. Without meeting your very own basic needs you wont be able to care for your family and you pose the risk onsetting perinatal mood disorders like postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. Talk to your doctor about what your body needs for a healthy postpartum recovery and remember to drink lots of water, sleep as much as possible and if you can meal prep. That way you can grab a snack and fuel your body more easily. 


BONUS: Night Nanny or Newborn Care Specialist 

Sleep is a must-have, but how can you sleep if your baby needs to eat throughout the night? Did you know that there are Newborn Care Specialists and Night Nannies that will come to your home and take care of your little one while you sleep? As an NCS myself, I enjoy empowering parents and teaching them the tools necessary for the first few months or even weeks of life. When I go into a home I sleep in the same room as the baby and bring the baby to mom when its time to feed. While the baby is feeding I wash pump parts, bottles and many times do the babies laundry. When the baby is done feeding I will burp, change, swaddle and rock them back to sleep so the parents can get the rest they need. If you need some extra sleep or a full time nanny you know who to call…no no no… not the Ghost Busters. Me!  




Leigh Aberle is the founder of Family First HSA, a premier household staffing agency based in Waxhaw, NC. Servicing the entire Charlotte MSA, Family First places incredible caregivers with busy families who need the help. Leigh is a global-minded, seasoned nanny with over 13 years of combined experience being a nanny and bridging families with trustworthy, experienced household staff. She aspires for all household staff to have access to a supportive community with resources that help them bring their best selves into their life and work. 

Leigh has co-hosted National Nanny Training Day with other agencies across the United States, has spoken at Nannypalooza and continues to host classes for local nannies in Charlotte, North Carolina to help them grow in their field. When it comes to meeting the needs of families you can trust that Leigh will listen to your needs and bring creative solutions to help you find the best fit for your family.

You can reach Leigh and her dedicated team by email at inquiry@familyfirsthsa.com