Here we have put together a list of baby needs that every mother should know about-- no wipe warmers, no bottle cleaning systems, no super-absurd, marketing hype items to make you crazy or to make your diaper bag too heavy to carry- here are the true essentials for a newborn (and even this list is excessive)!
Crib- if it`s not there the first day- the baby won`t know- just have a baby basket or bassinet of some sort.
Baby nail clippers (you won`t believe how long their nails are even after they have just arrived!)
Infant bath sponge- no need for those huge plastic tubs- this lies right in the bottom of your tub, doesn`t make the baby slip and is nice and cozy for them.
Washcloths & cloth diapers to throw over your shoulder to keep YOU dry.
Tons of clean white t-shirts (whenever buying clothes- err towards the larger sizes, they fit in the 0-3 month clothes for about a day)
Car seat/infant carrier
Nipples/bottles (best to have them on hand in case the little one decides that breast feeding is not for them)
Stroller- make sure that they are EASY to fold and lightweight. Also, I happen to prefer that they have two handles- they are easier to drive with one hand...
If you need a pack-n-play, get an extra mattress- those things are awful for little people- they are sooo hard- I don`t know how they ever fall asleep in them!
Pacifiers and pacifier holders-- they may be a lifesaver. Just a thought too-- you can throw a pacifier away, you can`t get rid of their thumb-- go with a pacifier!
Bibs (even though they may not be eating soon- some of these little wonders are spitter-upers- best to be equipped with bibs to protect their clothes)
Receiving blankets
Monitor
Thermometer (the kind that goes under their arm works in most cases)
Balmex or other diaper rash ointment-- for sore bottoms
Only if YOU want one-- a simple mobile (don`t bother with the lights and sounds mobiles- just something to look at will do- otherwise you have to go back in their room and turn the thing back on again and again and again!)
Soothing vapor baby bath- great for late nights with their first stuffy nose- a life saver to keep in medicine chest at all times.
An activity mat for the floor-- I can`t say enough how important it will become for you to have a child that plays ALONE for any period of time-- get them used to it from the start-- put the baby down!
Wipes/diapers
Bottle brush for cleaning bottles
Baby shampoo & baby soap
And for later:
A bouncy seat
Baby bjorn infant carrier
Highchair
The "Deuter KangaKid" backpack-- a diaper bag/back carrier- it is genius for people who are on the go or like to travel. Otherwise, go for a trail tech back carrier.
Swivel bath seat that they can sit up in
Jog stroller if you live on a tough road
OK-- this is NOT medical advice-- when the kids are sick, call your doctor! But, as friendly Mom advice, keep the following in your medicine chest to use after you call the doctor at 4am when you don`t want to have to run to the pharmacy: infant motrin, infant tylenol, and mysilex (gas relief).
Fashion Tips for Mom
EssentialMom.com`s `fashion advisor` Deborah Dodds of the Worth Collection has created a basic foundation list for those of you wanting to emerge from the "Mommy Wardrobe" or wanting to take control of your wardrobe. As a busy Mom with children you are always thinking of giving everything to the kids, for a moment, stop being a Mom, you don`t have to dress for practicality all the time! You may not be able to afford all new clothes, so starting here, piece by piece is her ideal solution.
For Mom and Dad from EssentialMom.com:
Favorite parenting book: On Becoming Baby Wise, Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam.
This is a great parenting book about how to get your baby to sleep through the night, eat on schedule during the day, and nap- it is very much a personal taste though- people either love it or hate it- I loved it!!!
Shop EssentialMom.com
Don`t forget to check out EssentialMom.com`s shopping page too-- shop from the comfort of your home for kids stuff, gifts, and clothes for mom! Click here!
Belly Band You have to get the belly band-- it saves you from buying oodles of maternity clothes! `The Bella Band is a pregnancy must. Wear this seamless knit band at your waistline, over your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants, over slightly big maternity pants, or around the waistband of any maternity style that falls down around your hips. Let it show under your top for a layered look or wear it hidden.
Buy it now!`
PishPosh Mommy Carryall. The PishPosh Carryall is an organizer that lets you use your purse as your diaper bag. This stylish, useful bag is a great organizer with perfectly sized pockets for all your baby essentials so you wont leave anything behind! The Carryall is designed to transport from purse to purse, purse to stroller or even for use in your current diaper bag. Check it out at
http://www.pishposhmommy.com/.
Rocking Chair-- It`s a really good idea to have a rocker or some type of chair in the baby`s room where you can comfortably sit and nurse or rest in the middle of the night. You want to wake the baby as little as possible when they get up to feed! -- momoftwo
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby, by Marc Weissbluth. This book is indespensable! -- fitmom
Video Monitor I loved my video monitor-- when the baby had to cry himself to sleep, it definitely helped me to still feel calm, but let him work himself to sleep when necessary. -- mommysays