Some will say all you really need the first few weeks with a baby are your boobs and clean diapers (and it often feels like that is true), but here is a short list of items I found to be essential between feedings, diaper changes, and naps during my first two weeks with a newborn.
NoseFrida – Who knew it would be so much fun to suck an infant’s boogers out with your own mouth? It is addicting!
Milkies Milk Saver – A week before my due date a friend offered to lend me her milk-saver, which was a contraption I had never heard of before. I am so glad she mentioned it, because this is pretty much my favorite product ever! You wear the “milkie” on the opposite side when breastfeeding and it catches all the milk that leaks out. If you are one of those ladies that leaks a ton, you will be forever grateful for this thing. I was able to store 8 bags of “leaked” milk in my freezer during my first two weeks without pumping. Amazing!
My Brest Friend – Stupid name, amazing product. This thing really does become your best friend. When I got home from the hospital and realized I didn’t really know how to hold Z for breastfeeding unless my bed moved up and down mechanically, this odd little pillow came to the rescue. It’s the best pillow for getting a newborn in position to eat and if you walk around wearing it, your husband might think you look like a Vegas cocktail waitress…
Fisher Price Snugabunny Deluxe Bouncer Other friends and bloggers raved about this contraption and now I am in full agreement with them. Zianne pretty much takes all her naps here {if she’s not sleeping on mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or one of many loving aunties, of course}. It’s easy to move this little bouncer seat anywhere around the house and Z loves the vibrate setting for catching a little 1-2 hour snooze.
SwaddleMe Fleece Blanket – After about three nights of trying to do my own swaddle, I gave up and found the SwaddleMe blanket that was hiding away in the nursery. I’m sure I could have watched a YouTube video to perfect the manual swaddle, but let’s be honest… I am a tired postpartum mama, and this is so much easier. We also recently started using the Miracle Blanket to swaddle and I highly recommend it as well. Disclaimer: I only like the Summer Infant SwaddleMe blanket in fleece. I tried the cotton version and was not impressed. It’s not as stretchy or cozy as the fleece version, and Z kicked her way out of it way too easily.
Gilligan O’Malley nursing tank – These are super helpful in those early nursing days where you can’t even imagine putting on a bra. They are super comfortable and provide easy access for every-two-hour-feedings. They show a lot of cleavage though, but I found it was easy to throw a t-shirt on over this tank if visitors were dropping by. Also, just know that in those first weeks of breastfeeding you will have milk dripped, leaked, and spit on you constantly. You will either have to wash these tanks every day or be okay with looking a mess at all times. Either option is perfectly acceptable, but it might be nice to have 2-3 of these in the laundry rotation.
Piyo Piyo scissors – Cut those long newborn fingernails down as soon as you get home from the hospital. These will prevent baby from scratching his or her little face, and I’ve heard they are much easier to use than clippers. I wouldn’t know, because I’ve only used these scissors and love them!
Diapers as burp cloths – Although Z rarely spits up, I still need a burp cloth constantly. There are spills, dribbles and drool everywhere with a newborn. Although I have these fancy burp cloths and love them {they are so soft}, I find that it’s just easier to use good ol’ fashioned cloth diapers for the wipe-up job most of the time.
Aden and Anais Swaddle Blankets – This is probably redundant as every mom raves about these blankets, but the list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning them. Although I gave up on swaddling with these, I still use them every day. They are perfect for covering the car seat when baby is sleeping out in public, covering Z in her bouncer when it’s just a little drafty in the living room, using as a makeshift nursing cover when the Bebe Au Lait is not within reach, etc. etc. I pretty much use these for everything except swaddling…
Graco Pack ‘N Play – Although it would be fun to have a fancy bassinet or cradle, Zianne has been sleeping in our room in her Pack N Play {on the raised bassinet-level} since her first night home from the hospital. Because of this, I am hoping we have an easy transition to the crib as soon as she is sleeping through the night.
Side snap onesies – These also make cute outfits and easy diaper/clothing changes for newborns. I sent dad to the store to pick out side snap onesies as soon as we got home from the hospital and he picked out these ones {super cute for baby girls}.
Tucks – These are necessary for “post-postpartum crotch,” as I call it. The hospital will give you some to take home, but I went through an extra package during the first two weeks. Layer them on top of your pad. You will love it. The end.
wondering, how i survived with my newborns. The only thing I had on your list were cloth diapers( though, I usually used those for,dare I say it? Diapering the baby) It must be why I was so tired those first few weeks! Love your blog. like always. You make me smile.
Jen, reading this post this morning felt like opening presents on Christmas, it was PERFECT. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I've been stalking (creeping) another blog — The Wise Baby — with similar posts about favorite products, registry must-haves, registry must-NOTS, and product reviews for several weeks and months. I really appreciate you sharing your favorite products because it gives me a better idea (a genuine, real mom's perspective) of last-minute items to pick-up before December. In fact, at my check-up appointment yesterday, my doctor even said one of her must-have items was Gerber's cloth diapers used as burp rags. I'm also going to get one of the nursing tanks and try on for size. Even though I'm losing weight (which is a GREAT thing and Baby K is steadily growing like the Chunky Monkey he is) the "Breast Friend" pillow just doesn't fit around me. I've got a Bobby pillow though, plus the glider/rock chair has higher arm rests that will support my arms while feeding Kamden. Micah did an EXTREMELY FABULOUS job on getting the side-snap bodysuits too. I've registered for some and if I don't receive any as gifts, they are on my priority shopping list. Plus, these are super-cute too! Sounds like I need the other items too, including the NoseFrida and Milk Savers. Husband and I decided we're going to keep a pack-n-play next to our bed too, it seems like the most sensible and versatile option.
It's always a blessing and a joy to read your posts and share some of the highlights of your journey into motherhood. I've got two more months until delivery but time is flying by!!!! Big hugs to all of you, greetings from Cowtown Texas too. =)
Tucks, yes. Essential. Um the milk saver thing? That's brilliant! I'm totally going to get one for the next babe. What an amazing idea. Dang people are smart.
I really like this list! Even though I've already had one baby, this is a really good refresher with good ideas for round two! 🙂 Hope you're doing well!