10 Must-Have Items for 0-6 month old Babies - Under $20!

If you are looking for a list of general must-haves for your babe, then this list is not for you. I was very relieved to find out that both registries I used for Beulah (Target and Amazon) had a checklist for the general things, so I was fairly certain that I wouldn't forget anything major, like a crib. All joking aside, there are SO MANY baby things out there. An overwhelming amount, I would say (and all pregnant gals and new moms would probably agree with). 

This is a compilation of 10 lesser-known, must-have items for your 0-6 month old little cherub, and to make the list even better, all of these items are under $20. STEAL!

PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMER: Use your noggin with all of these products. This is a list of recommended items, but please do read the instructions and use all of these items as they are intended by the manufacturer. 

1. Door Latch Cover. Have you ever finally gotten the babe to sleep for nap or for the night only for the click of the BLASTED door knob shutting to jolt them back awake? or if you are psychotic like me and like to check on your baby and just make sure everything is ok a million times during naps that last longer than 30 minutes, you want to have a quick (and quiet) in-and-out. You can buy these from Etsy sites if you are short on time (this is Boo's exact one The Original Cushy Closer Door Cushion from Baby Urbana or you can venture to do it yourself with DIY instructions like this one from Killer B Designs.

2. The NoseFrida. This is not for the amateur or those who become easily queasy. This is a professional-grade snot-sucking MIRACLE machine. My sweet baby has come to know what's in her future as soon as I start coming at her with the saline spray. Living in Chicago, Poor Boo. 

3. Splash Infant Bath Cushion. By Safety 1st. I wish I had learned about this product earlier! It's a cushion that you put in the bottom of the baby bath that soaks up the warm water to keep the sweet baby warm without them being immersed in the water, which we all know can be a scary drowning risk.

4. Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy. How many new parents out there have picked up a rattle, bottle, pacifier, or toy from the ground because your kid threw it off their launch pad of choice? How many new parents out there have picked up a rattle, bottle, pacifier, or toy from the ground because your kid threw it off their launch pad of choice 89 trillion times? in one day? This neat little contraption is like a bungee cord to save all of their things from hitting the floor. It's pretty priceless when you see their look of surprise when they catapult their sippy cup off the ledge of the high chair and all it does is swing in the air. Boo ya, kiddo! Mommy figured your little game out! 

5. Swaddleme by SummerInfant. 

This is what my friend Lori and I affectionately call the baby straightjacket. My little Houdini got out of the miracle blanket, and the halo did nothing for her. Now-- every baby is different, but if an unescapable swaddle is what you and your little angel needs, then this is the ticket for you. You wrap them up like a little baby burrito and velcro them in. They look so snug, like a little baby bullet, I almost wish they made them in adult sizes. I would dig sleeping all snugged up like that. 

6. Sock Ons. Socks are another thing that babies like to torture their parents with. They kick them off; one comes off in the car and you don't realize it until... never. You have a million single socks that don't have partners, so your baby wears mismatching socks. With the Sock Ons, it's this nifty thing I can only say resembles a sock bra. It is a bra for your baby's socks! Keeps those suckers on! 

7. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders. This is perfect for when your little baby starts to put everything into their little mouth. You can put strawberries, grapes, bananas, etc in these mesh pouches and they can chew and get flavor without getting any actual food in their mouth. Regardless of your approach to solid foods (Baby-Led Weaning or pureed baby foods), this is an excellent way to introduce your babe to flavors. Also, if you put frozen fruits in there or frozen breast milk (if you are nursing), your baby can gnaw on the pouch and it will help them with teething, possibly. 

8. HoMedics Sound Spa Relaxation Machine. Any white noise machine will do, but I am highlighting this one for its portability and because it is well-priced and well-reviewed on Amazon. We use a noise machine in our daughter's room every night. We also take it with us when we travel, so even though our surroundings are different, the noise is the same and (in theory) comforting.

9. Gripe Water. Our little angel has hiccups almost daily. I think it's because she is so dang excited to eat that she sucks down a little air. Gripe Water takes it away instantly, and that is not an exaggeration. We also used this pretty religiously when she was younger (under 3 months) and what she was eating upset her little tummy. It has been referred to by many as a colic remedy. 

10. Boogie Wipes. Because boogies happen, and these smell delightful. You can get them in diaper-bag-friendly packs or big canisters for your home. I find myself using Boogie wipes on myself even. It really is an all-purpose wipe!

HONORABLE MENTIONS that are over $20

Kalencom Ozz Dainty Water Repellant Diaper Bag. 

This diaper bag is water repellant. (Read: You can easily wipe up pee or poo from this diaper bag. You can easily clean this diaper bag when you have had it sitting on the floor of McDonald's, the library, the pediatrician's office, the train station, the airport.) Mind. Blown.

Beco Gemini Baby Carrier. 

I remember exactly where I was when I realized (several months into babyhood) when my friend Kara and her husband Alex strapped a Beco carrier on me and helped me maneuver my baby into it. Before then, a carrier fit under the category of "Too much for me to process at this moment." I was in ultimate survival mode. I remember the distinct feeling of suddenly, after 2 months having BOTH handle available, and one of those hands was holding a frosty beverage. :) Also invaluable if you have more than one child!