What Do You Really Need For A New Baby?
Building a registry and buying “essentials'' for a new baby can be extremely overwhelming, and everyone will end up finding different things they deem essential to surviving the first few weeks.
Chances are you've put a lot more thought into what the baby will need, than what you and your body will need after bringing a new life into the world. Your body needs so much extra love and care after birth, so make sure you have everything you might need.
There isn't a list of items that will fit absolutely everyone's needs, but here are some things you might not have thought to add to your registry or shopping cart yet.
The Fourth Trimester: For Mom
Postpartum pads / underwear- I recommend the Fridamom disposable undies and depends with an overnight pad for the first few days
Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, especially if you're breastfeeding
Maternity underwear
Insulated water bottle with straw- preferably 32+ ounces
Fridamom peri bottle
Fridamom witch hazel pad liners
Perineal spray & foam- Earth Mama and Fridamom both have good options
Medline perineal cold packs (the hospital also has some good ones)
Sitz baths supplies- I suggest Thenas sitz bath soak and then an over the toilet tub
Stool softeners
Squatty potty- I can not emphasize this enough, they are life changing, and I guarantee that once you use it you'll never go back!
Breastfeeding:
Earthmama nipple butter
Electrolytes- it's so important to stay hydrated if you're breastfeeding!
Reusable nursing pads
Nipple shields- can be especially helpful if you have flat or inverted nipples
Nursing bras & tanks- I recommend having 5-7 on hand, you'll be leaking a lot
Pumping bra (they make nursing and pumping bras in one)
Lactation supplements and teas- I recommend Oat mama, Slay Mama, and Our Lady of La Leche
Haaka- super helpful to use on the opposite breast while feeding baby to catch any extra letdown (remember every drop counts!)
Breastpump- Check if your insurance covers a pump before investing in one!
Breastmilk storage bags
Fridamom adjustable nursing pillow (great because it also provides some back support)
“Essentials” : For Baby
Huckleberry app- it's free and tracks everything; breastfeeding, sleep, pumping, bottle feeds, diaper changes, and even growth/development. By far my favorite app for the newborn stage
Swaddles- Can be helpful to have both muslin and easy swaddles on hand
Earth Mama diaper balm
Sound machine
Pacifiers; even if you don't plan on using them they're great to have on hand just in case
Nosefrida snot sucker
Bottles- even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, it's so important to have bottles on hand. Comotomo & Tommee Tippee are both great for breastfed babies but babylist has a bottle trial box with 5 different bottles that you can add to your registry.
Three tiered cart or diaper caddie (perfect for storing diapers, wipes, breastfeeding supplies, pumping supplies, burp cloths, extra washrags, hand sanitizer, ect.) and you can move this all around the house!
