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Recommendations from a pediatric OT; your birth to 6 months essentials
20
items As a mom and pediatric occupational therapist, these are the things I recommend to help your baby achieve their developmental milestones!
Sections
3
Positioning
Play
Feeding
Positioning
Babies 0-6 months have short play windows, and low tolerance for activities. The floor is the best spot for baby to learn and explore, but you’ll also need safe places to contain your baby. 20-30 minutes of wake time in a safe seat is ok. Aim for mul...
Ideal for nursing or bottle feeding support to save your arms! A boppy can also be used with direct supervision as your baby is learning to sit up around 4-6 months of age
Boppy Nursing Pillow - Gray Beige Leaves
I like that this car seat is lightweight and has some really cool features, such as the soothing light and sensor safety feature. This is an app that alerts you if you walk away from the car seat while it’s buckled. Preventing someone from leaving ba...
Evenflo LiteMax NXT Infant Car Seat with SensorySoothe - Jasper
I got this with my 2nd and it was a game changer!! Unlike the doona, you can use the car seat without the wheels (leaving them in the base), but the stroller is always with you!!🙌🏼
Evenflo Shyft DualRide Travel System with Carryall Storage - Boone Gray: Metal Frame, 29 lb Weight
When your baby has head control, they can start using this seat. Bouncers are not ideal. You really want a solid base for baby’s feet!
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Center - Gray
The splurge playgym… I’m obsessed with lovevery.. seriously!!! They really take into consideration development and this includes all the things to meet early milestones and entertain your baby as they learn.
Lovevery The Play Gym
You shouldn’t have your baby in any seat for more than 20-30 minutes. The floor is the best play spot and how they will learn to move on their own, but sometimes containing your baby is necessary for safety while you get something done. This seat is ...
Bright Starts Learn-to-Sit 2-Position Floor Seat - Playful Paradise
A safe place for your newborn is essential. I used this seat in my bathroom to shower or in the kitchen while I was cooking. Always place on the floor and buckle baby in. 20-30 minutes and it’s time to move again!
Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer - Rose
The splurge… the gentle motion helps soothe baby. If baby falls asleep, please move them to their bassinet or crib :)
UPPAbaby Mamaroo Multi-Motion Baby Swing Smart Connectivity - Jake
A playmat is essential and this has all the bells in whistles! Overhead toys encourage reaching and mirrors are great for tummy time to encourage baby to lift their head, gaining head control!
Skip Hop Discoverosity Montessori Inspired Baby Activity Gym & Tummy Time Playmat, Newborn and Up
Play
Toys to encourage grasping, reaching, head control and visual tracking!
Did you know babies don’t see colors at birth?! That’s why these high contrast books are great for babies.
Soft Tummy Time Book with Baby-Safe Mirror - Black & White Montessori Toy with Crinkle & 20 High-Contrast Designs for Infant Development
Rattles are essential for learning to grasp objects and explore with their mouth. Mouthing toys doesn’t always mean teeth are imminent. This is a developmentally appropriate milestone of exploration! Having safe toys for babies to put in their mouth ...
Sassy Toys My First Rattles Newborn Gift Set - 3ct: Developmental Plastic Baby Toys for Creative Thinking
I love this crinkly fish! A variety of textures to feel and explore.
Soft Baby Sensory Toy with Tummy Time Mirror – Entertaining Fish Toy for Infants 0-12 Months with Rattle & Crinkle Paper – Perfect Baby Shower Gift
Some musical/light up toys are great to encourage reaching and visual tracking! The OOO what’s the effect :)
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
A great toy to encourage grasp, mouthing and for teething!
Frida Baby Get-A-Grip Teether for Teething Relief, 100% Food-Grade Silicone Teething Toys for Baby 0-6, 12, 18m - Blue
Feeding
Fed is best! Breastfeeding and bottle feeding recommendations can be found here!
I used Dr. Brown’s bottles with both my babies and recommend them, as they are most commonly used in NICU. Even if you are exclusively breastfeeding, I HIGHLY recommend using a bottle (with breast milk or formula if you can’t produce extra) at least...
Dr. Brown's 8oz Anti-Colic Options+ Narrow Baby Bottle with Level 1 Slow Flow Nipple & HappyPaci Pacifier - 0m+
I was OBSESSED with my haaka. I used it on the opposite side to catch my let down while feeding on the other side. No milk wasted!!
haakaa Breast Pump with Suction Base and White Flower Stopper - 4oz
Breastfeeding is painful to start (it gets better)!! These hot and cold inserts helped me so much!
Lansinoh Therapy Packs with Soft Covers, Hot and Cold Breast Pads - 2pk
Premie nipples are often suitable for babies that are breastfed (even if they were not premature at all) as it’s more similar to the flow of the breast (except for the let down!!)
Dr. Brown's Preemie Flow Narrow Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple - Slowest Flow - 2pk - 0m+
The transition level is between the P and level 1! If your baby is coughing while feeding, the flow is likely too fast!
Dr. Brown's Flow Baby Bottle Narrow Nipple -Transition Level T - 6pk: BPA-Free Silicone Teats for Preemie
My favorite cream for sore nips
Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter for Breastfeeding - 2 fl oz