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Article: The First Year: Tips & Tricks

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The First Year: Tips & Tricks

The First Year: Tips & Tricks

The first year with your baby is full of change; tiny milestones, big emotions, and so many sweet “firsts.”

Each month brings something new to learn (for both of you!), and it can be hard to know what’s normal or what to expect next.

That’s why we’ve put together a gentle, month-by-month guide filled with practical tips, simple routines, and helpful insights to make every stage a little easier and a lot more special.


Month 1: Welcome to the Newborn Days

Everything has changed overnight, and it can feel like a whole new world. We’re here to help you find your rhythm, feel prepared, and take on this beautiful, brand-new chapter with confidence. Here's a few of our best products and tips for the newborn days:

Must-Haves: 

  • Knotted Gowns - for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes 
  • Swaddle Blankets - to help your baby sleep better and mimic the comfort of the womb 
  • No-Scratch Mittens - to keep those tiny nails from scratching baby's face 
  • Burp Cloths - an essential for feeding (these ones are 9 layers thick -- basically maximum absorption) 
  • Zipper Footies - the easiest and coziest outfits for those everyday cuddles 
  • Crib Sheet Pack - one for baby's bed and a back up for easy changing
  • Blanket - the choices are endless, but every baby needs a blanket, whether for the car seat, stroller, or couch cuddles 
  • Multi-Use Cover - this one is for mom, use this to cover up during nursing or use it as a car seat cover to keep germs away from baby 
  • Swaddle Bath Blanket - if you haven't tried a swaddle bath, you need to - tutorial is below

Tips & Tricks 

Month 2: The 6-Week Milestone 

You’ve made it through the early blur, and while you’re starting to find your footing, big changes are happening: growth spurts, longer wake windows, and the first glimpses of your baby’s personality shining through! Let me share some essential products and baby hacks:

Must-Haves:

  • Top and Bottoms - no one is comfier or happier than a baby in Lou Lou--these sets are cute for every day or for jammies 
  • Knotted Gowns - I use these for my babies up to 6 months old, it's just the easiest outfit and have plenty of room for baby to move 
  • Changing Pad Covers - adds some interest to a nursery and a buttery-soft landing for sweet baby cheeks
  •  Burp Cloths - an essential for feeding (these ones are 9 layers thick -- basically maximum absorption) 
  • Blanket - the choices are endless, but every baby needs a blanket, whether for the car seat, stroller, or couch cuddles 
  • Multi-Use Cover - this one is for mom, use this to cover up during nursing or use it as a car seat cover to keep germs away from baby 

Tips & Tricks:

Month 3: Finding a Rhythm 

This is when the newborn chaos is starting to settle, and you’re getting to know your baby’s patterns, personality, and cues. Life is beginning to feel a little more familiar (and a little more fun).

Must-Haves:

  • Swaddle Blankets - to help comfort and soothe your little one 
  • Sleep Sacks - once baby is rolling, sleep sacks are a natural next step from swaddling
  • Top and Bottoms - no one is comfier or happier than a baby in Lou Lou--these sets are cute for every day or for jammies 
  • Rompers - perfect for easy diaper changes and give baby room to wiggle and move about
  • Lovey - a cozy companion with a gentle weight and mom can also attach a pacifier to it
  • Wash Cloths - cotton milled muslin that's soft on baby's skin and quick-drying
  • Hooded Towels - for the coziest post-bath bedtime routine 

Tips & Tricks: 

  • Tummy Time Tips - with longer wake windows, tummy time is a great activity for babies 
  • How to Relieve a Gassy Baby - sometimes baby just needs a little extra help to release those gas bubbles 
  • Wake Window Schedule - the wake windows are starting to get longer, these are some options for enriching activities to do with your baby
  • Crib Sheet Hack - blowouts happen, Lou Lou crib sheets are made to make it easy to quickly change to clean sheets
  • Romper Dressing Hack - the easiest way to dress baby in their romper 

Month 4: The Fourth Trimester Ends 

You’ve made it through those tender, early weeks of adjustment, and both you and your baby are starting to feel more settled. Your little one is waking up to the world — smiling, cooing, and connecting — and you’re finding a new kind of confidence as you step into this next chapter together.

Must-Haves: 

  • Knit Mom Set - AKA how to look put together while also being comfy 
  • Top and Bottoms - no one is comfier or happier than a baby in Lou Lou--these sets are cute for every day or for jammies 
  • Blanket - the choices are endless, but every baby (and mama) needs a blanket, whether for the car seat, stroller, or couch cuddles

Tips & Tricks: 

Month 5: Rolling, Moving, and Growing

Your baby is on the move! Each day brings more strength, curiosity, and coordination — rolling over, grabbing toys, and exploring the world in brand-new ways. It’s a month full of motion, discovery, and those sweet “did you see that?!” moments.

Must-Haves: 

Tips & Tricks: 

  • Safe Sleep Habits - it helps to have a reminder of this every once in a while
  • Baby Milestones - every baby moves at their own pace, but these are some common milestones your baby could be hitting or approaching right now

Month 6: Half a Year of You 

Six months of snuggles, milestones, and watching your baby’s personality bloom. You’ve made it halfway through the first year, and the adventure is only getting sweeter.

Must-Haves: 

  • Bibs - ultra-absorbent (for the drool galore) and keeps messes at bay 
  • Teething Toys - those little teeth are starting to come in and baby wants to chew on everything
  • Top and Bottoms - for snapping those "happy half birthday" pictures 
  • Play Sets - for snapping those "happy half birthday" pictures 
  • Shirt and Short Sets - an outfit with a little something extra, but still comfy as ever
  • Rubber Duckies - making bath time a bit more fun

Tips & Tricks:

  • Starting Solids Tips - how to welcome solid foods into baby's meal times
  • Why Cloud Muslin Bibs? - nine layers of cotton milled muslin make all the difference  
  • Lou Lou Laundry Day - how to keep your Lou Lou collection looking fresh week after week 

Month 7: The Stretch and Longevity of Lou Lou 

Your baby is busier than ever! Scooting, sitting, and reaching for everything in sight, all while working through those first tiny teeth. It’s a month full of curiosity, drooly grins,  and Lou Lou growing with your little one.

Must-Haves: 

  • Bibs - ultra-absorbent (for the drool galore) and keeps messes at bay 
  • Burp Cloths - an essential for feeding (these ones are 9 layers thick -- basically maximum absorption) 
  • Lovey - a cozy companion with a gentle weight for those days full of growing pains 
  • Teething Toys - those little teeth are coming in every day and baby wants to chew on everything

Tips & Tricks: 

Month 8: Styling and Layering Tips for the Growth Phase 

As your baby grows and moves more, comfort and flexibility matter most. Here’s how to layer and style their favorite Lou Lou pieces so they fit just right through every little stage.

Must-Haves: 

  • Play Sets - an everyday outfit made for movement 
  • Zipper Footies - the easiest and coziest outfits with footie grippers for your little mover
  • Quilts - lots of movement means lots of ground play, keep a blanket on hand to give baby a soft place to land 
  • Sleep Sacks - the coziest wearable blanket for your little one 

Tips & Tricks: 

  • Baby Proofing 101 - baby is on the move and the house needs to be ready for your little fingers exploring all over the house 
  • Crib Sheet Hack - blowouts happen, Lou Lou crib sheets are made to make it easy to quickly change to clean sheets
  • Sleep Helps - with all of the developmental changes, baby might be struggling to sleep, so here's a few tips that might help 

Month 9: Growing Pains 

Your baby is busy mastering new skills, finding their voice, and pushing through big physical and emotional leaps. It’s a month full of progress, a few extra cuddles, and lots of grace for both of you.

Must-Haves: 

  • Top and Bottoms - no one is comfier or happier than a baby in Lou Lou--these sets are cute for every day or for jammies 
  • Blanket - cozy up for reading with a blanket for you and baby 
  • Simple Books - reading together builds vocabulary, comfort, and connection 

Tips & Tricks: 

  • Language Development - how to engage with your baby's babble 
  • Baby Proofing 101 - baby is on the move and the house needs to be ready for your little fingers exploring all over the house

Month 10: Outfit by Personality 

Your baby’s personality is shining through more than ever. They are curious, expressive, and full of energy and it’s the perfect time to let their little style reflect who they’re becoming.

Must-Haves:

Tips & Tricks:

  • Ideas for Social Play - activities for your growing baby 
  • Separation Anxiety 101 - how to help your baby develop a secure attachment 

Month 11: Almost One 

Your baby is busy, curious, and full of personality. They're pulling up, babbling nonstop, and keeping you on your toes as you soak in these sweet, fleeting days before the big first birthday.

Must-Haves: 

  • Lou Lou Embroidery - create a personalized piece to commemorate the big milestone that's coming up
  • Knit Sets - the classiest birthday outfit 
  • Bubble Rompers - a fun outfit to show off those chunky thighs 
  • Knit Sweaters - the ultimate special occasion piece 
  • Knit Onesie - all-in-one outfit with a little more luxury 
  • Bows - an outfit is not complete without an accessory 
  • Toys - gifting made easy 

Tips & Tricks:

Month 12: Happy First Birthday! 

You did it! A whole year of motherhood. The sleepless nights, the first smiles, the tiny milestones that filled your days, you’ve grown right alongside your baby. As you celebrate this first birthday, take a deep breath and soak it all in.

You’ve nurtured, loved, and showed up in more ways than you realize. The days may have felt long, but they’ve built something extraordinary. Here’s to you, mama and your sweet baby who's growing up so good. 

Must-Haves: 

  • Lou Lou Embroidery - create a personalized piece to commemorate the big birthday
  • Knit Sets - the classiest birthday outfit 
  • Bubble Rompers - a fun outfit to show off those chunky thighs 
  • Knit Sweaters - the ultimate special occasion piece 
  • Knit Onesie - all-in-one outfit with a little more luxury 
  • Bows - an outfit is not complete without an accessory 
  • Toys - gifting made easy 

Written by Karen Klakring

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