As soon as you announce your pregnancy to friends and family, sometimes you are instantly swamped with a list of items you MUST HAVE - to get you through those first few months of having a newborn. It can be very overwhelming, especially if you are a first time mum.
For me, I have a nine year gap between my two children, so it really did feel like I was a first time mum all over again. I remembered a few items that I used religiously when I had Miss B and then there are all the items that are now available, that weren't almost 10 years ago. It's amazing how things evolve over the years.
So I have put together a list of the "Baby Essentials: 10 Things I Couldn't Live Without", for this weeks #TuesdayTen. These are the items that worked for me: items that I loved and would definitely use again, and items that I would recommend to my friends, family and now to YOU!
In no particular order...
A cheaper alternative to the Nursing pillows that are available. I did have a proper nursing pillow, but preferred the triangle one. I have always owned a triangle pillow, ever since I was little, so I bought another one (or two) to use when I had Master M - one for when I was breastfeeding and one for my back (optional but worth it).
I never swaddled Miss B, actually never heard of it until I became pregnant with baby #2. I was given a few wraps for my baby shower that came in handy when Master M was a couple of months old (before this age, he hated being wrapped). He was wrapped/swaddled from about 6 weeks old and it was great! Some babies love being wrapped and some don't. But just in case, have some wraps or a Love to Dream Swaddle in the cupboard. From about 4 months (during Winter), I started using 'sleeping bags'. They are amazing, especially if you have a little one that likes to kick their blankets in the night - with the sleeping bags, they stay warm all night. Brilliant!
3. Cloth nappies
I am referring to the old school white cloth nappies. They are perfect for over the shoulder spills, used on the change mat, and to wipe up other messes - they are just handy to have around. I used them a lot in the first 6 months. I wouldn't recommend buying them brand new though, they are so expensive! So ask friends and family, or check out your local op-shop!
This is GOLD in a jar! I was given a jar of Lucas Papaw Ointment from a friend and it is, in my opinion, THE BEST ointment to have if you have a newborn or children - full stop. Great for nappy rash, insect bites, cuts, sunburn & even as a nipple cream (but must be wiped off before nursing).
5. Bassinet
I absolutely LOVE my bassinet! My Aunty & cousins bought it for me when I was pregnant with Miss B. It has been used by 15 babies and now ready for the 16th! (including Master M). The thing I love about it, is that I was able to wheel it into the lounge during the day, and then wheel it back into the bedroom at night for the first 3 months - Master M transitioned to the cot after 3 months because he outgrew the bassinet. If you can borrow a bassinet from a friend or family member, perfect - because they are only in them for a short time (depending on the size of you baby, of course).
As a breastfeeding mother - these two items, for me, were ESSENTIAL! Lansinoh is one of the most popular nipple creams on the market and a MUST HAVE for breastfeeding mums, it 'soothes and protects sore, dry, cracked nipples' and it is natural so no need to wipe off before nursing. I was a good "cow", so I needed to wear breastpads up to 8 months. There is a range of brands available in stores - I personally preferred the
Johnson's Nursing Pads.
This was my "go-to handbook"! I first saw
Sharlene Poole on a New Zealand TV show - giving tips about newborns and they mentioned her book "Baby Whispering". I borrowed it from the library for the first couple of weeks, then I had to have my own copy. I loved it! (I still do)! It is a fantastic book that I totally recommend to all new mums - it covers everything from preparing for your arrival and birth right through to 12 months.
8. Exersaucer
Some babies love them, some don't! It has a variety of age-appropriate toys to help babies achieve developmental milestones e.g. cause/effect, understanding and hand-eye coordination. Nowadays, you can hire them for a few months, because just like everything else, babies do grow out of them. My parents bought one when Miss B was younger, and it has been used by several other babies over the years, now it's Master M's turn. He's not in it much these days, only if I need to go to the toilet (he is too mobile to be left alone).
9. Snap-N-Go Capsule
Where was this contraption 10 years ago when I had my first child?! It could have saved a lot of backache in those first few months due to reaching over the capsule to buckle it in and out, every time! I was fortunate to find a pram/stroller that included a Snap-N-Go system - where the capsule locks into the pram and into a base (that stays in the car). It was a DREAM in those first few months! As a first-time or new mum, it truly is a life saver - you just unlock the capsule from the base of the car and transfer it, and lock it, into the pram (and visa versa). Note: Baby is safely harnessed into the capsule.
10. Change Table
I never used a change table with Miss B, as I only lived in a small flat when she was born and I didn't have the room. I am borrowing (yes still using it to this day) my sister-in-laws change table, as she didn't really use it with my nephew. I think it is great for many reasons - gives your back a break (you don't need to bend your back), shelves for storing all your bits and bobs (nappies, wipes, creams etc). When Master M was born, I didn't really use it at first but then I decided to move it into the lounge (as that is where we were both spending our days) and I have used it every day (multiple times) since. You don't HAVE to go out and buy a brand new change table, borrowing or buying second will be suffice. Some mothers I know have bought a change mat and stuck it on top of the drawers in baby's nursery - perfect. I, personally, just like the height and storage aspects of a change table - it worked for me.
So there you have it, those are the 10 things that I (as a new mum) couldn't live without in those early months! Some other things I loved and couldn't live without was...SLEEP, WIFI, MY FAMILY SUPPORT, and A NICE HOT SHOWER!
Tell me - What baby essential items would be on your TOP 3!
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