| . |
| .F |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| ITEMS |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
I wish someone had given me this list before our little girl was born (I could have
saved myself and others a lot of money)! Be aware, of course, that everyone's
opinion is different. Here's a little list of things I think are necessary for a new baby
and mommy/daddy:
*a strong will to do what you feel and know is right for your baby. You are the
mommy/daddy, you are your child's advocate, do what your heart (and knowledge)
tells you. You'll get tons of advice from EVERYONE, listen politely but don't be afraid
to tell them you'll be doing what you believe is right for your family.
*a support group of like-minded friends. Surround yourself with others who believe
as you do, even if it means using an online message board.
*a good quality sling
*a good fitting nursing bra (Fit will change a couple weeks after birth so you may
need another size. A good fitting and quality nursing bra is so important, it'll make
life easier and help you avoid problems. Nursing clothing is optional, loose fitting
shirts work great.)
*nursing breast pads (cloth, breathable)
*phone numbers for local LLL (LaLeche League) leaders and a lactation
consultant (most hospitals have one and there are private ones also) Support and
help right away is so important! Please also ask them for medication/breastfeeding
info if you need to. Drs and nurses often don't have breastfeeding knowledge.
*Dr Sears books (any) and website
*diapers & wipes (disposable or cloth, whatever you choose to use at first)
*diaper pail (doesn't have to be fancy, even a garbage can with a lid will do fine)
*burp rags (hand towels, newborn prefolds, folds, or make your own out of flannel)
*baby wash/soap
*baby lotion (We love Burt's Bees Baby Bee lotion)
*diaper ointment (I recommend Burt's Bees ointment or cream or A&D)
*baby tub (or something suitable for bathing your baby)
*baby washclothes & towels are nice (they're smaller and softer and easier to
handle)
*digital thermometer of some kind (we have a nice digital that takes
oral/rectal/axillary in about 10 sec)
*diaper bag (or something that will work as one)
*good breast pump (especially if you'll be going back to work, but also nice to have
in case you need it for oversupply, or unexpected circumstances -- I highly
recommend the manual Avent Isis Breast Pump, very natural action)
*baby car seat
*baby clothing (onesies, snap t-shirts, sleepers, bunting, hats, booties/socks,
appropriate outerwear)
*blankets (fleece blankets are great and lightweight, flannel ones are great too)
*baby comb/brush, nail clippers (they'll most likely give you a nasal aspirator at the
hospital)
*lots of love and attention
*and most of all, a personal relationship with God and the faith to know that He
will help you make it through anything and be the parents He made you to be for
your little one.
saved myself and others a lot of money)! Be aware, of course, that everyone's
opinion is different. Here's a little list of things I think are necessary for a new baby
and mommy/daddy:
*a strong will to do what you feel and know is right for your baby. You are the
mommy/daddy, you are your child's advocate, do what your heart (and knowledge)
tells you. You'll get tons of advice from EVERYONE, listen politely but don't be afraid
to tell them you'll be doing what you believe is right for your family.
*a support group of like-minded friends. Surround yourself with others who believe
as you do, even if it means using an online message board.
*a good quality sling
*a good fitting nursing bra (Fit will change a couple weeks after birth so you may
need another size. A good fitting and quality nursing bra is so important, it'll make
life easier and help you avoid problems. Nursing clothing is optional, loose fitting
shirts work great.)
*nursing breast pads (cloth, breathable)
*phone numbers for local LLL (LaLeche League) leaders and a lactation
consultant (most hospitals have one and there are private ones also) Support and
help right away is so important! Please also ask them for medication/breastfeeding
info if you need to. Drs and nurses often don't have breastfeeding knowledge.
*Dr Sears books (any) and website
*diapers & wipes (disposable or cloth, whatever you choose to use at first)
*diaper pail (doesn't have to be fancy, even a garbage can with a lid will do fine)
*burp rags (hand towels, newborn prefolds, folds, or make your own out of flannel)
*baby wash/soap
*baby lotion (We love Burt's Bees Baby Bee lotion)
*diaper ointment (I recommend Burt's Bees ointment or cream or A&D)
*baby tub (or something suitable for bathing your baby)
*baby washclothes & towels are nice (they're smaller and softer and easier to
handle)
*digital thermometer of some kind (we have a nice digital that takes
oral/rectal/axillary in about 10 sec)
*diaper bag (or something that will work as one)
*good breast pump (especially if you'll be going back to work, but also nice to have
in case you need it for oversupply, or unexpected circumstances -- I highly
recommend the manual Avent Isis Breast Pump, very natural action)
*baby car seat
*baby clothing (onesies, snap t-shirts, sleepers, bunting, hats, booties/socks,
appropriate outerwear)
*blankets (fleece blankets are great and lightweight, flannel ones are great too)
*baby comb/brush, nail clippers (they'll most likely give you a nasal aspirator at the
hospital)
*lots of love and attention
*and most of all, a personal relationship with God and the faith to know that He
will help you make it through anything and be the parents He made you to be for
your little one.
Notice I didn't list many of the typical "baby shower" items.
Cribs/bassinets/side-car beds are sometimes used by AP parents too, usually in the same room as the
parents so they are able to respond to their baby as soon as they need them, and sometimes they're
just used for naps. It depends on what works for your family, don't be afraid to change your mind, but
also don't think that these items are necessary. Please see the "Links" page for info on the family bed.
Strollers are also optional, I've used mine more as a cart (it's handy to carry the diaper bag and
shopping!) than as an actual stroller, although it has come in handy in some situations, especially with
an older baby or toddler. You may find the rest is unnecessary, save your money for later.
Cribs/bassinets/side-car beds are sometimes used by AP parents too, usually in the same room as the
parents so they are able to respond to their baby as soon as they need them, and sometimes they're
just used for naps. It depends on what works for your family, don't be afraid to change your mind, but
also don't think that these items are necessary. Please see the "Links" page for info on the family bed.
Strollers are also optional, I've used mine more as a cart (it's handy to carry the diaper bag and
shopping!) than as an actual stroller, although it has come in handy in some situations, especially with
an older baby or toddler. You may find the rest is unnecessary, save your money for later.
| What do you need for a new baby? |
| Loving Hugs Products to comfort, cheer, and care for you . . . a Christian WAHM (work-at-home-mom) business. |
| . |
. |
| . |