Congratulations on becoming a
new Mama!
If you've even stepped into Babies
R Us or Target to start your gift list, you may have easily become overwhelmed
with lots of questions.
What
do I really need?
How
many will come in handy?
What
brand should I go with?
My sister-in-law had the same
questions. Here is what Babies R Us says u need. Well here are some
thoughts from me and my sister-in-law, Samantha to help you get
started!
Nursery
Crib
>If u are looking to save money,
this is a great area to save. You can find like-new cribs for around $100 at
consignment shops like Once Upon a Child.
>If you go with white it is easy
to convert old furniture to use... like a dresser... with just some paint.
>You can save by buying a
convertible crib. If so go for one that goes to a twin. The toddler conversions
aren't the greatest in my opinion because they end up being higher off the
ground. Plus, some parents just transition their toddlers to a twin.
>Also keep in mind that a
toddler bed runs around a $100 so make sure you are truly saving money if you
are buying a conversion.
Changing Table
>Some of my friends just use a
changing pad around the house... on the floor, on the bed, on the couch. This saves them
room in the nursery and money for other nursery items.
>I prefer some sort of changing
table. If you decide to get one, you definitely want something with storage or a diaper hanging bag for your
supplies.
>I wish I would have just used
the top of my daughters second hand dresser. It gives you storage on the top
in the drawers. When they are potty trained you just have a dresser and have not wasted
money on a changing table. Some just put a wood framed box on it or crown molding that
goes around the top of the dresser.
Other Furniture
>You won't need a night stand
any time soon. I spent my money on a tall book shelf that I use for my kids
books and the top for the lamp and things. Neither are necessary.
>Remember when looking at a
dresser that eventually your kiddo will get out their clothes. Make sure it is
short enough and easy to open.
>A recliner may be more useable
than a rocker. For me the recliner was more spacious and comfortable.
>If you get a rocker, definitely
get something comfy or you won't end up using it much. A glider is also safer
for when the children are playing in the same area.
>Don't forget some night lights so you can see them without waking them with a bright light.
Bedding
Changing Pad & Covers
>I love my 4 sided pad, but it
is harder to find big enough covers.
>You will want 2 covers for when
one is in the wash.
>You will also want to buy some
waterproof pads/liners that you set on top of the covers for little accidents.
It will save your covers while you have newborns who tend to pee all
over.
Pads
>I have about 5 small and 4
larger waterproof pads. I use them in the swing, on the changing table, in the
car seat and on the sheets for more protection on your fabrics and covers.
>My step Mom had a great trick
too. She would put 2 sets of sheets on the crib and a waterproof pad in
between them. If they got wet during the night, she would just strip off the top layers. No
making the bed at night.
>I don't use any crib mattress
pad covers. My crib mattress was plastic so I just wiped it clean if it got dirty.
>I also don’t like bumper
pads. By the time the baby can roll around you have to take it out, so for me
other than being pretty, they are worthless.
Sheets
>Get 2-3 crib sheets! Sam and I both
had reflux babies, so we use more than the average Joe. I think I had 5. You
can't have too many if you plan to eventually put them in a toddler bed or have
more kiddos.
>I
also bought a used crib sheet
from a hand-me-down store as my "sickie" sheet. I used this sheet
whenever my kiddos were sick so that it kept my other sheets nice
looking. Plus, if it gets too gross, I just dump it on the trash and go
get me a new one.
>If you are using a bassinet,
you'll want 1-2 sheets for it. It is really hard to use a crib sheet. It just don't fit well enough.
>If you are buying a Pack n'
Play, they make special sheets to fit them. I would suggest just using your
crib sheets. They will be large, but are easy to fold over the edge. If you
really want one though, you should only need 1 unless you travel often or use
it around the house.
Blankets
>You'll want 2-3 swaddling sized
blankets. I like the flannel type.
>No matter what season your baby
is born in you'll want 2-3 fleece or thick, soft blankets to wrap them in.
Newborns need to be kept warm. Even if you aren't dealing with snowy
conditions, you still have to deal with air conditioning too.
>You'll also want a thick, warm
blanket to go over your car seat unless you buy a special car seat cover.
>Sam had a great suggestion! When
picking out warm blankets, don’t go too thick. Imagine still having to control
a wiggly baby inside it.
>You will also want 2-3
receiving blankets that are medium warm. These are bigger than a swaddle
blanket. You'll use this to play on the floor and to cuddle with when it isn't
too cold. Crocheted blankets are my
favorite! I sometimes use these over the top of my Pack n' Play to keep the fan
or air conditioning from blowing directly on the baby.
>This
is just me, but I don't
waste money on crib set blankets. In my mind they are super expensive
and I would rather have a sentimental homemade blanket any day.
>Bottom line...lots of blankets
:)
Bath Time
Towels
>Infant towels and wash cloths
aren't essentials. With my third kiddo, I just use normal towels. However, it
is really nice to have cutesy ones and people love to get them for new Mamas. I
would suggest 3-4 sets.
>Robes aren't really necessary
either, but I love bundling my little guys into a cute robe. They make
adorable pictures too! People love to get this for a new Mama!
Bath Tub
>You'll want a tub that is easy
to store and has something to hold a little baby. Mine has a little sling in it.
>My MIL uses a sink and a hand
towel on the base to help with slipping. Both Samantha and I feel a tub is
better with strong kicking legs and floppy bodies.
>I use a wet washcloth, bucket
of warm water, soap and a towel on the changing table for a quick bath for the
first two months.
>When my kiddos are sitting
really well I use a laundry basket. This helps with siblings that take a bath
with them too.
Infant Care
Burp Cloths
>Don't waste your time on
registering for special burp cloths. Register for 2 large packs of cloth
diapers. These are more absorbent and easy to bleach if they get terribly
stained or stinky.
Health Items
>You definitely want a humidifier
which puts moisture in the air. I used to get warm air ones until a pharmacist
said that a cool air one is safer because a warm air one can put bacteria into
the air. Cool ones are easier to clean too.
>We got the Crane Ultrasonic Elephant Cool Mist humidifier.
We’ve had to replace a little part but the company sent it express mail for
free.
>Get a good thermometer. We have
a head scanning one but it isn’t as accurate. I would rather an ear one. You’ll
get a regular thermometer and aspirator at the hospital.
>Don’t forget a grooming kit!
Baby Products
>Check out my opinions and
thoughts on shampoo/ baby wash in this post. I prefer all Burt’s Bees products for
their safe ingredients and nice smell. My favorite things are their bubble bath
and fragrance free/tear free wash. They have a diaper ointment that I have not
tried yet, but hope to soon.
>I don’t use lotion much on my
babies, especially in the first 6 weeks. As their skin gets used to being
outside the womb it will get flaky at times, but it is best to not over bath
them and just let their skin adjust.
>I LOVE using baby powder. It can
really freshen a baby and help dry up a bottom.
>Vaseline and diaper cream are
must haves.
Clothes
>Don’t bother registering for a
lot clothes. Just pick out anything that is very specific that you want. You
will get TONS of clothes!
>Register for lots of socks. Get
a few packs for each size up to 12 mos.
>For winter get a warm coat,
booties and hats.
>For newborn to 3 mos, you will
mostly use sleepers. Remember those 8-10 diapers a day! You’ll want something
easy to open and not a lot of layers. Zippers are the best because at night you
don’t have to think about snaps!
>I also love the newborn onesies
or sleepers that cover their little hands like mittens. This keeps their nails
from scratching their face and their hands warm!
>Sam likes the bag styled sleepers. Just remember that you can buckle a car seat or swing around them.
>For little girls, register for
some cute bows. For newborns, use some Karo syrup or KY Jelly to attach cute
little bows to their bald heads!
Safety
Car seats
>If you aren't getting a travel
system, it will come with an infant car seat. This is the way to go with a
newborn in my book!
>Definitely think ahead and
register for a convertible car seat. This is for an older child. The guidelines
just changed.
>Register for a convertible car
seat that can go up to the car seat weigh limit. If you can find one with a
booster seat go for it. They will use it until like 1st grade so get a nice
one.
>A funny little thing, but a
BUILT-IN cup holder is REALLY NICE when your kiddo is old enough to use it. You
can get clip ons, but they don't work so well. Getting sippy cups and snack
cups thrown on your car floor is no fun!
Stroller
>I prefer a travel system. This
really saves my back and I love the security of using it in stores because a
car seat in a shopping cart is not always the safest or easiest to use.
>Make sure to test it out or at
least the brand. It should be comfortable to push, easy to fold up and put into
the car!
>You
will want a lightweight one
for your larger toddler. This is nice because when they are older,
you'll pack a lot less things... so there isn't a need for the bulkier
one. Open it up and make sure it is tall enough. We got a
cheap one and it is so low I slouch to push it...so annoying!
Play Time
Infant Swing
>This is a lifesaver!! This is
where I spent my money. A swing is great for any baby, but especially a reflux
or colicky baby!
>It is a play area and sometimes
a bed. Seriously it may be your crib for several months!
>If you're baby gets sick and is
stuffy, it will help with breathing too.
>I love my Graco
Sweet Peace swing! It goes all different directions which is great
for a colicky baby! I also love that I can put my Graco car seat in it for a
smaller infant or a sleeping infant right from the car!
>The biggest thing is you want
something that can go sideways and not just front to back. Most babies prefer
that motion.
Sleep and Rocker
>These are a newer and replace
the idea of a bassinet. I just got my first one and I LOVE IT! It really keeps
them more swaddled and I can rock the baby if they need help falling asleep.
>I also like how the baby isn’t
laying flat. This helps settle a baby’s full tummy when you have just finished
the late night feed!
>These are also WAY cheaper than
a bassinet.
>Did I mention they are simple
to fold up and take places too?!?! LOVE THEM!
More Play Things
>You'll want a play mat for
tummy time and floor play time.
>I hate bouncers because that's
what my swing is for. Many Moms swear by them though.
>Don't bother registering for
books, DVDs or toys unless you want something specific.
>Bumbo seats were the rave. They
are to help learn how to sit but we barely used it. My son got too fat in the
legs for it and my daughter was always in the swing or high chair for play
time.
>I never had a jumper, but I
have been thinking about getting one for my third child. I have friends who had
toddlers that loved the jumper over the stationary exersaucer.
Feeding
Bottles
>You will not know what your
baby will like until you try some out. However, a well vented bottle will save
you a lot of belly aches and spit ups.
>If you are planning to
nurse...you want to plan on registering for at least one 8oz. set in case you
have to pump!
>If you are planning to bottle
feed only, you may want to register and then return them if the baby hates them
or get several 1 packs to try until your baby finds a favorite.
>My friends mostly rave about
the Tommy Tippee and Dr. Browns bottles. I like that the Tommy Tippees are very
well vented. I used the Milk Bank bottles and they are no longer available.
They were triple vented and perfect for my reflux babe!
>When you pick a brand, you will
eventually want 8-10 8 oz. bottles. Honestly I wouldn't waste money on smaller
bottles.
>You will want all the sizes for
the nipples. You will want enough to have one for each bottle. Check your bottle
package to see which size comes with the bottle set before registering for
other sizes.
>Get a nice bottle cleaning
brush. I love the ones with a suction cup bottom.
>Get the small bottle and sippy
cup cleaning brushes! You'll need them for the vents!
>A bottle warmer...not worth the
money or headache!
>A sanitizer is great if you are
bottle feeding and going through a lot of bottles every day. You can use the
sanitizer to clean your pump parts, binkies and bottles.
>The Medela sanitizer bags are
great for a Mom who just nurses, a Mom who randomly uses a bottle or when you
are traveling.
>You can just clean and not
sanitize, but it really helps to get them fresh and truly clean! I normally
quick wash the parts and then put them in the sanitizer. It saves me a lot of
hassle. Swish, pop into the sanitizer and then 2 min in the microwave!
>A bottle drying rack is not a
necessity. Now 3 kids in I wish I would have gotten it because I have an
organized personality and I love when things are in their place.
>I also love having my dollar
store plastic buckets for all the bottle and sippy cup pieces.
Breast Pump
>Before registering for a $300
pump, call a local hospital supply store and see if your insurance covers it.
Both our primary and secondary insurances covered a brand new one for 100%. I just
had to get a script from my OB. I dropped the script off at about 35 weeks and
I picked it up a few days after my baby was born.
>If you can’t get a free pump,
you can buy a second-hand one. You will just want to replace all of the main
parts except the air tubing. You’ll need breast shields, valves and bottles.
I bought my used one for $80 and spent like $15 on new parts. Just make
sure you match the brand of pump you have to the parts. They are not
universal.
>If you are not sure how long you
may need a pump, you can also rent one from the hospital or supply store. I think
the hospital charged $30 a month.
>Some wonder if they need a pump
if they nurse. I have always needed one whether to keep my milk in, increase my
supply, pump an extra feed for freezer supply or when I had a babysitter. For
me it is piece of mind.
>This time around I got a hands
free bra. I know this will be a great help now that there are 3 kids!
Nursing Accessories
>I never found covers very helpful. I just always used a light blanket.
>Nursing pads come disposable and washable. Washable is definitely the way to go. I made mine. Here is how.
>I ended up using a shield, but many women don't. You can always get one at the hospital or later if you need one.
High Chairs
>Several of my friends have the
chairs that attach to the table directly. They love it because it is easy for
travel and saves on space.
>I got one that is a beast. I
have the Graco 4-in-1 high chair. It rolls around and can be made into a
booster seat too. It does take up A LOT of room. I do like that it contains the
mess to their area and not on my table. I also love that it is a higher model
which saves on my back. Plus, I can roll my kiddo to wherever I am working in
the Kitchen because most of the time I am cooking or cleaning while baby is
eating.
>In my opinion, if you are going
to go big, get one with wheels. Who has time or space to fold it up or the
strength to pick it up to move it?
>I guess the space saver booster
seat type high chairs are kind of a happy medium. I’ve never regretted my beast
though, just sayin'.
Other Items
>I LOVE my boppy for bottle feeding or nursing. It helps to balance baby and save my arms.
>Pacifiers
are one of those picky things. Some kids like them and some don't. Most
nursing babies tend to like them. There are relatively two types. There
are the gumdrop kinds and the more traditional nipple style (ie: NUK
brand). This is a trial and error kind of thing.
>Pacifier
holders are so great. They keep those binkies off the floor and when
they are older they can get their own binky!! I love making them! Here
is how.
>My first two kiddos hated teething rings.
>My best friend is gripe water for upset tummies. You can find it at Wal-Mart and most grocery stores.
Diapers
Diapers and Wipes
>Sometimes it is hard to guess
how many diapers you will need. You definitely want to register for NB-size 2.
>For my 8lb. babies, I used 1
value sized NB box and a small package until they grew into size 1. Even though
the NB size says up to 8lbs...it is really more like 10lbs.
>Remember you will use 8-10
diapers A DAY for the first 4-6wks.
>You will go through at least 5
value boxes of size 1 and size 2.
>My fair skinned baby broke out
with every diaper except Pampers Sensitive. My other kiddos took the cheap
brands. For newborns I prefer the Pampers Swaddlers because they show the line
when they potty which is not very easy to tell with a NB.
>Wipes are different in quality
for sure. Huggies and Pampers are the thickest. If you are looking for a
chemical free option take a look at my recipe here.
>If you are cloth diapering,
check out my thoughts here.
Diaper Bags
>Go for easy to carry rather than
huge. We have a larger one for newborn-early toddler. We have a mini backpack
for walking age and older to hold a few essentials!
>I raided a travel section at
Wal-Mart for some small Vaseline, wipes and baby powder to reduce the load!
>Some women just get a fashionable
bag or purse and share the space with baby items. I tend to carry my clasp
wallet in the diaper bag!
******
I’d like to leave you with this little
bit of advice from Samantha about your new journey into Motherhood. She is a
new Mama and I thought it was very insightful:
“Don’t
stress about having every detail in order ahead of time. Just stick to the
basics. It’s a whirlwind and usually the most important things are just basics:
food, diapers, clothes, warmth (hats and blankets) and hygiene. Then imagine it
getting pooped and puked on and PRESTO you have the picture of life with a
newborn!”
Well said SISTA!
