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The other day I walked into a consignment sale for children and baby things. As soon as I walked in I was completely overwhelmed. There are so many things out there for babies and I don't know what is good and what is not. I am not sure of the things I need to have and the things I will never use. This being my first pregnancy I am at a lost for what baby supplies are necessary (besides the obvious like the car seat, stoller, crib, diaper table). So I am asking all you moms out there what baby items are your favorite that you don't think you could do without and what are those items that you might have bought and never really used? Thank you for any advice.
You're gonna need a lot! Things like towels and washcloths, shampoo, lotion, powder, rash cream, nail clippers, nasal aspirator, blankets, binki (if you plan to use one), bottles, bibs, burp cloths. The list goes on and on! Babies R Us has a pretty good check list in their store and online.
While you are shopping for baby,
dont forget yourself...
Breast pads-I couldnt live without them(disposable ones) the first few months, expecially when going out.
Hot water bottle-it soothes if you put it on your back or stomach etc.
Sanitary napkins/pads-thick,long ones are good for the first week or so.
An easy to manage hairstyle
wet tissues with perfume-for quick freshening up when guests come in unexpectedly (especially at hospital).
cotton balls/swabs-cant do much without them.
Keep a good stock of milk/juice drinks for yourself and nutritious snacks.
a comfy pillow for your back and another to hold the baby on while feeding in bed.
somethings I could not do without for baby
olive oil
baby lotions/nappy rash creams
lots of tissues (theres so much to clean)
baby cologne (still love the fresh smell of it)
Johnsons Baby Bath/shampoo in One.
And a bag to carry all neccessities for baby and me while going out(I loved one with lots of pockets)
Just few things that I could think of at the moment.Hope it helps
Don't forget the health related items such as a bulb syringe, baby thermometer, diaper cream, medicine dropper, baby nail clippers, etc. Talk to your pediatrician for over the counter recommendations such as infant pain reliever/fever reducer and other items you see on the shelves.
Don't forget the health related items such as a bulb syringe, baby thermometer, diaper cream, medicine dropper, baby nail clippers, etc. Talk to your pediatrician for over the counter recommendations such as infant pain reliever/fever reducer and other items you see on the shelves.
Thanks Shy,
I had forgotten about those.
Try getting those ear picks with a light at the end of it.
baby nail files or even scissors are good too.
As a mother and a nurse I suggest you steer clear of Gripe Water. Heck, I don't even know if we have that here in Tennessee. It is known to contain alcohol. So if you want to use it check out the label and get the go ahead from your pediatrician.
If you plan on using baby powder, put it in your hand and rub it on to baby. Simply shaking it on baby can result in powder aspiration (not good).
Rectal thermometer is the best for a newborn
Beware of baby nail clippers or scissors, you risk cutting babies smooth skin.
Pacifier specifically made for medicine, if you plan on using a pacifier
If you plan on using bottles, make sure you have extra nipples.
Do you have a dishwasher? There is a really neat thingy that looks like a cage that you put nipples and nipple rings in. Remember that the dishwasher on the heat dry cycle is the closest thing you will get to sterilization.
The little mittens for baby's hands when they are first born are good if you don't want to use clippers on babys delicate finger nails yet. They help keep them from scratching themselves. neither of my sons kept them on however. If you get baby shoes, beware that they don't last long, and are more cumbersome then cute in the end. Great for pics, or just keepsakes etc, but when it comes to those hourly diaper and clothing changes, they get real annoying, real fast. If you plan on using a binki, get a binki clip. The kind that has the teeth grips and not just the pinch latch. (the pinch latch comes off way too easy, the teeth grips take some real forceful tugging to get them off.) Saves a lot of trouble and trips to the sink to keep washing off a dropped binki.(just be sure to take it off anytime you lay your baby down for sleep, or leave them unattended.) The non-medicated nasal drops are great for use before using a nasal aspirator. Tons of wipes(non-scented are best) tons of diapers(but dont stock up on a ton of the newborn diapers, as most babies will outgrow them within the first few weeks. for example, when you have a baby shower, ask for size 1 and up in diapers. Then buy several packs of newborn diapers yourself. That way you save expense.), and tons of onesies/sleepers. (the little frilly, fancy outfits are fun, but when youhave to go through so many spit up/poop changes, adn diaper changes, all the extra buttons etc get frustrating. Go simple and fast) If you are having a boy, and getting him circumsized, you will need gauze pads and vaseline. You will also need q-tips/cotton balls and rubbing alcohol to use for the umbilical stump. I definitely suggest a bassinet for the first few months, as it can sit easily by your bedside, and when you are waking up every hour for feedings throughout the night, having baby close by is a must. Lots of spit up clothes. A breast pump(if you plan to breastfeed. and if you dont, it can help take the edge off of the engorgement in the first 48 hours. but be careful not to pump too much, as this will stimulate more milk flow.) It helps out a lot when you are engorged. I got so badly engorged and cracked with both my boys, I ended up with mastitis, and having the pump really helped to give my nipples a bit of a break. Breast pads(but makes sure they aren't the ones lined with plastic, as these retain moisture and can lead to more infections then other pads) sanitary pads.I suggest that you get the the super sized, extra long, with WINGS. The wings are a life saver, because in the beginning with all the heavy flow, you are already going to have to go through enough overflow, without not having the wings to help. and on that subject, lots of undies (and loose fitting comfortable clothes for you) at the hospital. They will provide these for you, however, you may not like their kinds that they offer, and find you are more comfortable with your own. BLACK undies are ideal, as far as the stain issue goes. Nursing bras with an easy open/close snap. I personally dont like the hook and eye kinds, as they are just too hard to do one handed, without being able to see it. if you have a large house, baby monitors are nice, because they allow you to go farther away from where your baby is, and not have to worry about not being able to hear if your baby needs you. baby clippers with the extended handle so it fits nicely in your palm are great. These help you keep them more steady in your hand, so you have less chance of slipping and hurting you baby.Some people swear by diaper genies, etc. I never got one because of the expense and hassle. I just prefered a large kitchen trash can. The diapers pile up so fast, you have to change the trash before it starts to stink anyways, so that is just the route I chose. a night light is great, because you dont want to have to turn on a bright light ever hour throughout the night, waking you baby and spouse up each time. Rocking chairs are a MUST as far as I am concerned. Swings, and/or bouncy chairs.(I prefer the bouncy chair because I can pick it up and take it room to room with me, easier then a swing) I got a boppy pillow, but honestly, I didn't use it much for breastfeeding. Instead, I used it to sit on when I came home from the hospital. It works perfect. If you turn it around so the thick round part is facing towards your legs, and the open ends are facing towards the chair you are sitting on, it provides just enough support to keep your ultra sensitive areas lifted and pressure free, and its so comfortable. Some things are a must, but you don't have to get them until several months down the road. High chairs for example. just try to keep in mind how old babies will be when they use certain things. a baby bath wont be used for about a week or two after baby is born, as baby's belly submerged in water until its umbilical cord calls off. Anyways, thats all I can think of for now, and its getting way too late, and this post way too long. Good luck!
Breast pads definately!!! Tey go right in your bra like the ones you use for your period go in your uderwear. Soothing motions glider works well, but my son is only 5 weeks old. He is my first child too. Clothes though, we have so much stuff that he will never use. Newborn pants are the only size that fit him, and he was not too small when he was born. It is really a learning experince! Just keep receipts so u canreturn or exchange.
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