Congratulations on being a new Mama! The first three months of your newborn's life at home will be a tiring, sleepless, happy and rewarding time. Here are a few essential things to have around to help make the transition smoother!
1. A convertible crib that can be used as a toddler bed when your little sweetie gets bigger. All drop-side cribs have been pulled out from stores from its non-compliance with safety measures, so always make sure to check what you're buying. Simply Baby Furniture has a wide selection and range of cribs to choose from. As with Walmart, and Target.
2. A most reliable breast pump, and Medela from experience has been a dependable brand. Just don't count on its carrying bag to be fashionable statement. It'll be one of the many things you'll be lugging around in the first few months.
3. You will probably receive baby grooming kits from baby showers which include a standard thermometer. Toss it. Better yet go green and re-purpose it to stir your morning coffee (tea for you lovely pregnant women), because that's all it's good for. The Vick's Baby Thermometer has a proven track record of reliability and accuracy. Don't skimp on this, a correct digital reading will determine whether your little one is really sick or just over bundled. Sold nationwide at retail drugstores.
4. Fashionable nursing covers so you can breast feed with swag. Don't be shy, pop it out and carry on with your conversation. Discreet breastfeeding is very much accepted these days.
5. The BASICS. Onsies. Onsies. Onsies. You will need a handful of these. Keep them basic and 100% breathable cotton. Linked stores: Old Navy, Apericots, and Two Blue Peas. For plain white everyday ones, Gerber sells them in packs of 5 - perfect for layering too. You will also need:
- Endless supply of diapers and wipes! Amazon has great deals and monthly deliveries, or go for bulk and buy at Costco.
- Baby nail files (for their razor sharp nails that can easily cut through delicate skin)
- Blankets
- Washcloths
- An army of burp cloths and bibs. Trust me, milk that trickles down in the neck - not good.
6. Baby clothes hamper. Because babies change clothes as quick as chameleons shift color. Don't mix in with yours, unless you want to hike and climb on it by the end of the week. They really pile up. The rattan elephant hamper is a sweet and whimsical addition to any room.
7. Shopping for strollers is like buying a new family car. Test drive it. What's the turning radius like? How's the handling? Can you fold it with one hand with a child on your hip and a mocha latte in your other? Can you unfold it without kicking and grunting like a caveman? Check out Mamapedia for stroller concerns and Babble for an extensive list of best picked stroller options.
8. For new parents that do not have the luxury of having a nursery for their newborn (such as ourselves), do not for one second think that you can get away from purchasing a changing table. The bed is not a viable option for changing a child, lest you are prepared for terrible backaches and - wait for it - projectile things. Liquid versions of these things. Be quick to dodge it. Breastfeeding mamas know this tale all to well. THIS is where we bought ours which we still use daily.
9. Before you check out of the hospital, your loving nurses will teach you how to effectively swaddle your newborn with a standard (baby) hospital blanket. You will be impressed with how snug of a burrito they can be, but every child's strength varies and within minutes, your little escape artist would have given Houdini a run for his money. The Woombie is the ultimate solution to the usual tuck and fold. Snugness for newborns equates to comfort, warmth, and sleep which is directly proportional to your state of mind. Those two straight hours are precious, you know.
10. You will take probably a thousand photos in your baby's first month alone. A hundred yawning photos, her feet, his fingers, the wisp of a curl on his forehead. Keep the camera (or camera phone) handy - you can't miss a moment!
11. The Dustan Baby Language System will help you understand your newborn innate language, and yes, believe it or not, they're already trying to communicate with you within the first month!
12. Nursing Pillow. There are many brands out there but the mommy favorite would be the Boppy! It's so comfortable I caught myself using it long before I stopped breastfeeding.
13. Blooming Bath! This is the most adorable thing! I would have bought one for every sink at home had I known about it before. This floral foam is of course just for newborns, they can transition to a baby tub as they grow.
14. The Diaper Bag. Yes, they're expensive but get the right one and you won't ever have to worry about it falling apart, or finding the pacifier, the bib, and the wipes. I went through at least three bags, including a non-compartmentalized weekend bag which ended up with chaotic results. The best one I ever bought was the Skip-Hop Versa. I'd still use it today, except toddlers don't need as much things as babies do.
15. The Car Seat. Don't get overwhelmed. Go for safety, reliability, and ease of use. You're child's safety is your first priority so choose wisely. The Graco Snugride 35 has been a recognized authority in infant/baby/toddler systems and has proven to be worth the money we put into it.
Lastly, the best thing to prepare for as new parents is to arm yourself with patience paired with a consistent warm serving of gratitude as most of it will be tested in your transition into parenthood. The moment you hold and lock eyes with your little one, you are forever changed for the better. Always trust your instinct and remind yourself in times of doubt that you are the best mommy and daddy your petite bebe can ever have.
This is for you, P & G
Congratulations and much love! ♥ ♥ ♥
* The opinions expressed on this list are by no means sponsored by any establishments, boutiques, and shops mentioned but are of my own personal preference and familiarity to the product.
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