Before you head out to the baby shop, kind of in tow, check out this list from a real mom. This list is by no means a complete shopping list, but should be a guide to digesting the excess of other lists.
Here are 10 essentials that I really use.
1. receipt saga I had so many of these that I got as gifts, and I wasn’t too sure why I needed so many. Well, I did. I used them for wrapping, covering, wiping, and more. You can never have too many.
2. Sleeping. Some people prefer robes, but I have found that sleeping is the best way to put the baby. in. They usually keep the feet warm, which the gowns do not. My daughter couldn’t seem to keep any socks on for at least the first few weeks. Sleepers come in cotton, terrycloth, etc. I also recommend a sleeping bag. For summer babies, onesies might be a better option.
3. These may seem obvious, but diapers are essential and belong on the list. I had probably 5 packs of diapers before I had a baby and we went through them in about a month. Fetus through a lot of hay. My daughter was on the small side (6lbs. 13oz.), and she carried the fetus until she was almost 2 months old (even though she was over 10 pounds in the pack). If they are too big, you may have a hard time carrying them. I recommend that you get at least 1 pack of babies and take it from there.
4. My daughter, and almost all the babies I know, love their seats. Some are motorized, mine was not. He had a toy bar to hook him to, and he just loves my baby. you put the baby in it and wash your face, eat something, and other “luxuries” with your little one. an angel is born
5. Car/theater seats. I have a car seat which is broken in the stroller. This is great for a few reasons. First, it’s less of a hassle, then stripping a carseat and baby out of the carseat and re-stramming into the stroller. Even small children cannot sit comfortably in most car seats. Also, before the parent’s car, it does not frighten the baby. Once my daughter was about 4 months old, I started using a stroller like my parents did, and it’s great. This system grows with the baby.
6. Bassinet/sleeping rock. The need for this depends on your situation. I had a pool and I used it a lot. But my baby used to always sleeping with me in the night (this was not a plan; but, as I was breastfeeding , it was much easier). I used it during the day at rest. Next time around, I’ll have to get the “side sorter” which is like a bass with 3 sides that stick to your bed.
7. Crib. My daughter didn’t start sleeping in her crib until she was about 3 months old, but now that she is, she needs to have one. If you’re tight on cash, you could buy either a tank or a crib, but you don’t need both initially.
8. Pacifiers. If you are going to use peacekeepers (I did), then make sure you have more. You’ll want to have an extra one on hand when you go out in case it shoots or throws in a duck’s poop (it’s happened in public parks, and no, I haven’t had to ride outside the house for a long time). The clipper is also handy (the pacific clipper is attached to the clothes), but it should not be used at night.
9. Mylicon and other drugs. If you’ve never heard of it, Mylocon drops are heaven sent. These are all natural, safe baby drops gas. About the time my daughter cried and wasn’t hungry, dirty, or other routines, it was a trigger. One dose and it was thin. You can find it at supermarkets, Walmart, pharmacies, etc. Other supplies to have on hand: a thermometer (ask your doctor about what kind he prefers), baby tylonol, and if you don’t want to have anything else to run around with. but at 3 in the morning
10. feeding supplies (if nursing, otherwise bottles and formula): pads, bras, lanolin cream and a shirt that has “easy access”. I never used a diaper before I nursed, but trust me, you should. Not only are they heavy, but they leak. You should buy one or two boxes of nursing pads before you give birth. They gave me lanolin cream in the hospital for nipple sore-nipples and it was great. It’s a lot of work, but it takes a lot of effort.
And a few things I didn’t use very much…
1. My snuggli carrier (front back carrier). My daughter will cry in a few minutes. Some love it, but some don’t.
2. Bassinet. The basin, as has been said, is not an absolute necessity. It should be known to have, but not to have.
3. Attractiveness. My daughter loves it now, but she just started enjoying oast in a month (she’s 6 months now). Unless you’re a liar, this is the one thing I’m waiting for.
