Baby item must-haves for new moms...?

Question

I am having a baby in January. We have all of the basics, like the crib, bouncer seat, swing, etc. Now I am looking to buy a couple items that will help with convenience. What items would you recommend for first time moms that really helped you out?

Answer 1

These are the baby items that I have found the most helpful:
- Baby carrier (I have a Baby Bjorn and an Ergo Baby carrier, both are great. I have a sling and didn't find it as comfortable)
- The "Miracle Blanket" swaddle blanket. Easy to use/wrap baby with and it helps my baby sleep for longer at night - she was sleeping through the night at 5 weeks.
- Burp cloths (cloth diapers work great for this). Good to have for spit ups and to put under baby's bum while changing diapers (my daughter almost always pees when we change her)
- Good breast pump if you are breastfeeding. Pumping right after the baby is born helps your milk come in faster. Also, it gives you flexibility to pump and either feed baby from bottle in public, or other people can feed the baby so you get a break.
- Also if you are breastfeeding, I am a big fan of the nursing tank tops. They cover my less than perfect post-baby belly while I am nursing and are great for layering.
- Zipper PJ's. Forget any clothes with snaps. They are too hard to deal with in the middle of the night.

Answer 2

A good baby carrier!!!

Avoid the kind that suspend the baby from its' crotch. A good carrier should last till 2 years of age.

The Bjorn was dire, pulled on my shoulders and was chucked in the closet by the time my son was 6 months old. So uncomfortable!!! I got a sling for my second and used it well into toddlerhood. A wrap or pouch would also work. Try carrying a 2 year old up two flights of stairs! I also fly a lot with my kids and it was the secret to flying easily with a child. So great for travel!!!

Don't buy ANY bottle products. I never had bottles for two of my babies and you don't know which bottles they'll take if you do use them. No need to sterlize bottles either unless your ped says to (don't know why it's necessary if you have a dishwasher). Also, there is no reason to warm baby bottles. It has no health advantage to the child so leave out this useless task if you do bottlefeed.

You might need a breastpump but wait to see. You can always rent one from the hospital. Also, there are different pumps depending on what you're using them for. No, you don't need to give bottles for sitters. I could leave mine 2-3 hours with the sitter and some women can express without a pump. Milk can always be given in a cup. Worked for us! Give those gizmos a miss...

The boppy pillow was great too. I used one for ages.

Answer 3

I would get a bassinet or a cradle for beside your bed when the baby is very small and then get a crib so it can be in it's own room eventually. I would buy the Avent manual breastpump, it's the best, I tried lots. You don't need a change table, you can buy a cheap dresser and get a changing pad with a buckle strap to put on top of the dresser and then you have a two in one. You HAVE to get a swing, they are the best, and a bouncy chair, other than that some teethers and some floor toys, lay down a blanket for tummy time. The ocean wonders crib toy/ music, it's the best present anyone got me, my son loves it still and he's 20 months. You will probably need about 10-12 bottles just to be safe, the best for no gas are the Playtex Nurser's with the drop in liners, you can take all the air out of them, something a little cheaper but still good is Gerber regular plastic bottles, I would get 2 packs of 8 oz and 2 packs of 4 oz. You don't need a baby tub, they don't fit in them for very long, you can get a little mesh pad that props up for like 7-10$ or you can just hold the baby with one hand or in the sink. I didn't bother buying a wipe warmer, I think they are a waste of money, and you can put water in a big cup or mug throw it in the microwave for 1 minute or until it is hot and plop the bottle in there until it's warm. Hope that helps. Good Luck! One last tip- YARD SALES-

Answer 4

Things that made the first few months easier ... some of them I am still using now at 9 months ...

- Good breast feeding pillow that has a REMOVABLE cover (this is a must because there will be many, many washes required) I have a "Bosom Baby" pillow with an incredibly soft minkee cover, I like to cuddle with it on the couch too when I watch TV

- A baby carrier. I like Baby Bjorn's and Cuddly Wraps. Personally I found the Snugli's too be cheap, provide little support to a newborn and hard to get on and off. With a Bjorn you will be much happier. If I have another baby I will strictly wear it for at least the first 4 months. No strollers!

- Help with the little stuff! Before the baby arrange with friends or family to have them come over once or twice a week to help you out postpartum. Have them agree to do laundry, clean the bathroom, walk around with the baby ... whatever you might need. The first three months with a newborn are exhausting. You need a break!

Answer 5

A play pen. Take it with for trips out of town and baby will have a safe place to sleep, as well as protection from unfamiliar and curious pets while it plays and naps away from home. a wall hanging diaper holder also helps with safety because it puts them right in reach.
I was given a book by a friend that ended up being a bible in a way. It was called "What to Expect the First Year" it provided me with month by month milestones for baby, what to do and when to call a doctor if sick. and countless more information that was precious information for first time parents. congrats on your new addition :)

Answer 6

The single best thing that we bought was a video monitor. It's a little expensive, but my son is now a year old and it's the only thing that we've consistently used every single day since the day that we brought him home. We use the Summer Infant handheld video monitor, but the fact that we get to check on him while he's sleeping when we want without opening his door to disturb him is well worth the price!

Answer 7

Have tons of blankets and pajamas. No matter how many you have, it's not enough once the baby starts spitting up all over everything. Also, have lots of diapers of different brands. Different brands work well for different babies (my son used Huggies, but my daughter fit better in Luvs) and you'll need to try them all out to see what works for yours. Don't forget the little brush for cleaning bottles, even if you're planning on breast feeding. Speaking of that, have a small container of formula on hand even if you DO plan to breast feed. Then if you get sick, or if for whatever reason you can't breastfeed, you'll have something in reserve to feed the baby. I would suggest getting a good digital camera, if you don't already have one. It's a lot cheaper than developing 500 rolls of film per week.
This last one isn't necessary, but it helps. Get a wipe warmer. My son HATED having a cold wipe on his little bottom, and the warmer made changing him a lot easier on both of us.
Good luck, and congrats!

Answer 8

Get the Boppy Pillow. You will use it while feeding the baby, and also to help hold the baby up and teach it to sit (eventually). Give the lady who first suggested it the 10 points. My wife LOVES hers, and it has lasted through 2 kids.

Answer 9

honestly each baby is different.... where my son liked being held and carried ( the baby sling was great for us) my nephew hated it.... but my nephew loved the boppy and my son wouldnt have anything to do with it..... what i wished i would have done was to have my son then spend all the money on the extra things that i knew he would use... instead we bought all the stuff before hand and most was never used....
but the diaper genie was great and keep the smell down.... hmmm...... lets see.... the glinder works great..... and toys and books and make sure to take your baby book in the delievery room with you.... some nurses will put the baby foot print in there for you!!! hope this has helped and

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Answer 10

A fleece pouch

The number of an excellent lactation consultant to assist you in getting nursing off to a good start.

My breastfriend nursing pillow and or a boppy. I had both pillows and discovered I liked them for different positions.

A nursing basket that makes it easy to carry around all your comfort supplies, like a water bottle, nipple cream, the phone and a romote.