Our new little baby girl arrived last week! Every time someone I know is having their first baby, I always want to give them a list of what I would call my Newborn Baby Survival List. However, most new moms are bombarded with advice, so not wanting to add to their poor brain's overload, I normally just tell them my number one necessity. This post is featuring some of the items that I would miss dearly if I didn't have them while taking care of a post-labor self, and a newborn baby.
Honorable Mention: Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Lotion
For my first baby, this item would've made the top 10. From my experience, this lotion is only essential if your baby has sensitive skin and you live in a dry climate (like the Mojave desert). This lotion is still great for any place, but not a daily necessity in this wet Louisiana humidity. In my opinion, the regular baby Johnson & Johnson that "everyone" has, doesn't do a very good job. I would slather my first baby with it, and her skin never improved one bit until I tried Aveeno Baby.
10. Aden + Anais Classic Muslin Swaddle Blankets
These blankets are little pricey, but are a great size and very breathable. I normally keep one of these blankets in my diaper bag when we go anywhere because I am one of those moms who is constantly worrying if my baby is too hot, or too cold. I forgot to bring one to the new baby's first pediatrician's appointment, and naturally is was absolutely freezing cold (luckily, her big sister's random extra sweater in the bottom of the diaper bag was sufficient to keep her warm)! These blankets are also great for swaddling, tummy time, and keeping the germs of all your baby's adoring fans at bay (but maybe that last one is just wishful thinking)!
9. The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD
Most new parents are a little worried about bringing home a new baby, especially if they won't have much help from family upon it's arrival. This DVD was helpful to my husband and I with our first baby. It gives you techniques for soothing your baby, and gave us an overall feeling of, "Okay, we can do this." It has over 1,000 reviews on Amazon, with a solid 4.7 stars. If you're worried about having an inconsolable newborn, this video may give you the confidence you're looking for!
8. Shout Advanced Ultra Concentrated Stain Removing Gel
New baby girl is just over a week old, and I've already begun using this product on her clothes. Why would one need to use stain remover on a baby's clothes, you ask? Two words: diaper explosions. Mine typically occur at night, where I have to completely change my baby's clothes while half asleep... sigh. This stain remover is really easy to use- just rub the gel in with the brush on the bottle, let it set for a few minutes, and wash it as you normally would. Washing that soiled white onesie without it is wishful thinking, my friend.
I had to go there, right? Well, most women know that bleeding will occur up to about 30 days after birth. The hospital provides maternity pads, but what kind of pad can you find at your local drugstore that is post-labor "stitches friendly?" Well, I ran out of hospital maternity pads once I got home, and sent my poor husband out to get more. I knew him finding good ones was a long shot, so I wasn't too dismayed when he came home with ultra-thin, scented pads, lol. My poor husband... don't feel too bad for him, though, because he just walked through the door with Chikfila... without Chikfila sauce (insert irrational outrage here). Anyway, after I went to the store myself, I settled on Always Maxi Pads. Ultra-thin is the enemy of your recovering body because they tend to hug the area too closely... this is getting gross, sorry. Anyhow, these pads are the right thickness and provide good coverage without the pain of getting too close.
6. Rain, Rain Sleep Sounds App
Our first time around, we used a little lamb that played white noise. It would automatically turn off every 30 minutes, so for this baby we started using the Rain App on my iPhone. It has a variety of different rain noises, nature sounds, and even home appliance lullabies. It can play all night, or you can set a timer for it. We use this app every night, and we also use it to help our toddler fall asleep and stay asleep through her little sister's night feedings.
5. Pack 'n Play Playard (Newborn)
We keep our Pack 'n Play in our living room for use during the day. Ours has a diaper and wipe holder on the side, as well as a changing table (Note: we do use a small blanket on the changing table because if the baby pees in mid-diaper change, there will be pee on your baby's back all the way to her ears.) A cozy bassinet is also included, and we lay baby girl in there while she's sleeping. The newer models I see listed on Amazon even have decent storage now. They have music, nature sounds, and vibration options. The newborn attachments can be taken off, and the mat can be lowered for your growing baby.
4. Boppy Nursing Pillow
Especially with a newborn baby, a Boppy pillow is a good asset for nursing. Newborns are so small that you need to bend your back to feed them. This pillow puts the baby in a good spot, so your back can be pain free, and your arms can relax. I use my Boppy mostly for night feedings because I'm half awake. I feel like using one is the safest way to be half awake, holding a newborn in the middle of the night. Once your baby is a few months old, a Boppy is great to prop your baby up so she can look around and relax beside you while you watch five episodes of The Office on Netflix (or maybe that's just me...).
3. Summer Infant SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wraps
We swaddle our newborn babies most of the time, but we are always sure to swaddle at night. The Happiest Baby on the Block talks about the importance of swaddling, but in a nutshell- it helps the babies feel like they're back in the womb and promotes calm. The SwaddleMe's have various velcro locations on each swaddler, so they are pretty dumby-proof. They are perfect for the new parent who is intimidated by swaddling "from scratch."
2. Rock 'n Play Sleeper
Rock 'n Play's are just the best. We used ours on our first baby until she was about 6 months old, and our new baby has been sleeping soundly in it since we brought her home. The pad is washable, and the whole apparatus is lightweight enough to easily carry to various locations around the house. Rock'n Play's are great because they have an inclined seat, which seems to be how baby's are most comfortable (also helpful if your baby has reflux). Ours does not have the fancy-dancy auto-rocking or vibrate features like the newer models do, but it works just great as is. The reviews speak for themselves. If your baby isn't a good sleeper, give a Rock'n Play a try-- and your arms a rest.
1. Earth Momma Angle Baby Nipple Butter
(& A Little Advice)
Breastfeeding is hard. Nobody really tells you that until you are in the thick of it-- crying and wondering what happened to your calm, happy little boobs. Nipples can crack, bleed, and just plain make you want to smack your husband's handsome, oblivious little face. The best way to keep your nipples healthy (other than a good latch from your baby) is nipple butter. It keeps them coated in goo, which promotes healing. I used nipple butter after every feeding with my first, and never cracked. Seriously, I can't say how up a creek I would feel without this stuff. Dare I say it, if your nipples are dry, sore, and happen to touch or stick to something- you will cry giant crocodile tears of regret. I only used this nipple butter for the first week with my newest baby, but with my first I used it for the first solid month.
As a side note for nursing, disposable nursing pads are important to prevent leakage until your milk evens out, and don't be afraid to keep some formula around! I had to use formula for a few feedings within the first few days of having both of my girls, and it made all the difference in keeping both of us calm while figuring out how to adapt to each babies nursing needs. Within the first few days, ice packs are a lifesaver in between feedings to help prevent your boobs from ballooning to watermelon size. If all of this sounds awful and complicated... take heart, the hard part will be over before you know it, and you'll actually start enjoying the bonding time you have with your baby while nursing in the coming months (the second time around was much easier, so be encouraged in that, as well)!
Phew! That was exhausting, but I hope it proves helpful to at least one new mommy out there!
"The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24
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