When you’re bringing a baby home from the hospital or you’ve had a home birth, you have lots to get on with in a Fog of overwhelm, love and happiness. Congratulations on your newborn, your life is going to change massively. In the first few weeks after you bring your baby home, your baby’s going to require a few of the basics that you may have been reading about while you were pregnant.
They need a car seat, a safe place to sleep, diapers, and items for breastfeeding or formula feeding. You’re going to benefit from some essential products that will make life so much easier and much more comfortable for you when you’re recovering from birth. Adjusting to life with the new baby is not going to be easy, but we’ve put a list together of the newborn must haves that you should be adding into your cart now.
- Baby sleeping bag. Your baby is supposed to sleep in an empty cot or an empty Moses basket. That means no loose covers. So finding some newborn Zipadee Zip Sleeping bags is a great idea. These sleeping bags are designed so that you don’t have to worry about loose quilt covers or pillows in the cot. They’ll be able to be zipped up and comfy and cozy while they sleep without having you panicking that something’s going to go over their faces. Find ones that are the right size for your baby though, because the larger sizes can mean that your baby slips down inside them and that’s not ideal.
- Nipple cream. If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, then you can dry out the delicate skin around your nipples. This can be to the point that they can crack and bleed. Nipple creams can help by easing that dryness and healing the cracked skin as it happens. If you have any soreness, it will also help to soothe that. There are so many different ingredients and options out there that you don’t have to wipe off before nursing or pumping, so pick a nipple cream that will work for you.
- A manual breast pump. There are so many different options out there, but the Haakaa manual breast pump is actually a favorite among lactation consultants. It’s easy and effective and you just need to use a simple suction to express your milk. There’s no need to pump or feel like you’re being milked. The Haakaa is made of food grade silicon, so it’s going to be safe for both you and for your baby. As it’s just one piece, it’s easy to clean, you just have to put it in some boiling water for 2:00 to 3:00 minutes.
- A changing pad. Most seasoned mothers will just fling a towel down wherever they happen to be to be able to change a baby who’s done a poop that goes to the back of their collar. But there are changing pads out there that are great and easy to wipe clean. This means a lot less laundry for you, so you don’t need to throw any towels down. These particular changing pads won’t necessarily absorb any liquids or smells either. Finding the right changing pad for the space that you have is a great way to ensure that your baby is comfortable while going through diaper changes.
- A diaper pail. Whether you go with a genie or you go with a lidded garbage can, it’s up to you, but a diaper pail is a must. Odors can seep out unpleasantly from a related garbage can unless you take the diapers out every day, and that’s not easy to do when you’re an exhausted new parent. A diaper pail that has a special bin lid that stays sealed is a great idea. You’ll be able to contain any smells that your baby will produce for you, and you’ll be able to ensure that you are keeping your changing station clean.
- A diaper bag. If you’re planning on heading out at any point with your baby which you absolutely will be you need a bag. It doesn’t have to be a backpack if you don’t want it to be but there are options out there that you can get insulated bottle pockets to keep any milk cool or warm and you can keep diapers, baby wipes, spare changes of clothes and more in a bag that’s easy to carry around.
- Burp cloth. You’re going to want at least ten of these because they’re going to protect your clothes from any baby spit up, or you can use it to mop up other spills. Lots of mums like to wear one over a shoulder when they’re feeding their baby just so they can be ready to catch anything. They’re often made from 100% organic cotton and they can come in a lot of fun prints.
