10 Essential Items To Buy For The Newborn Period - As Shared By Real Mums
What does a newborn baby actually need? There are so many shiny gadgets out there that can be bought for new parents and a new baby but how useful are they?
I asked my Instagram followers to share the essential items that they could not live without for the fourth trimester and they didn’t disappoint.
10 essential things that you actually need for yourself and your newborn baby after labour.
I’ve listed the items in order of how many recommendations they got with number 1 being the most popular item.
10/ Comfy clothes - Including PJs, non-wired bras, soft socks and the ever-glamorous big knickers and maternity pads. Comfort is key after labour, treat yourself to some nice new PJs (perhaps in a dark colour to hide stains) to make sure that you are comfortable.
9/ Cot that attaches or sits next to your bed/Moses basket - There are lots of different brands of these available but having your baby close to you whilst you and they sleep is always a good idea. You can research safe sleeping by heading to the Lullaby Trust website.
8/ Nappy caddy - A little box/caddy that contains everything you need to change your baby. So many of you suggested having a nappy caddy both upstairs and downstairs to make life easier. Here are a few items that you might want to include in your own nappy caddy: Nappies, nappy bags, cream, wipes/reusable wipes, small changing mat.
7/ Support from others - Whilst technically not an item, I wanted to include this in the list as having support from others during that transition to parenthood is crucial. If you are reading this as someone who isn’t expecting a baby then please know that your support and help is possibly one of the best gifts you can give new parents. A warm meal or a quick tidy of the house is priceless and so appreciated.
6/ White noise machine - We have to remember that the transition from womb to world can be strange and unfamiliar to a new baby. What a baby is used to hearing on the inside, is very different to what they hear on the outside. So many of you recommend a white noise machine as it helps to settle and soothe your baby. A constant sound can be reassuring for some babies, although this isn’t always the case for every baby. The most popular white noise machine that was suggested by Mum’s was Ewan the dream sheep.
The top 5 essential items to buy for the newborn period include:
5/ Breast pads & nipple shields - So many of the Mum’s recommended breast pads if you are planning to breastfeed. Others also recommended nipple shields to help protect the nips when feeding (not everyone will need these). It’s always good to know if you have a local breastfeeding support network in your area before you give birth, this way you can contact them if you are having any issues with breastfeeding and they can offer you suggestions. Here is the link to the local breastfeeding support group in Wakefield.
4/ Muslins - Let’s face it, babies are often sick or spit up milk. Sling a muslin across your shoulder whilst winding the baby and protecting your clothes in the process. They are usually made of really soft material too so they are delicate on your baby’s skin. They come in some gorgeous prints too and can easily be washed. Other uses for a muslin include laying your baby on them if the changing mat is cold, stroking your baby’s face for comfort, lightly swaddling (please check guidelines on this first), at bath time as a cloth, to play peek-a-boo with.
3/ Babygrows with built-in scratch mitts - I mean who doesn’t love a onesie? The little baby grows are so soft and spacious and are really the only outfit that a baby will need in the first month, along with little vests. Whilst it is so tempting to buy the little dresses and suits, they aren’t practical at all and often don’t get used. Buying the baby grows with built-in scratch mitts are lifesavers, they are comfy and soft but also stop your baby from scratching their delicate skin.
2/ Bath thermometer - I couldn’t agree more with this. Putting your baby into their first bath is such a strange experience, will they cry? Am I doing it right? What products do I use? The temperature of the water doesn’t want to be another concern that you have to think about. I bought a little teddy bear thermometer from Boots when my little girl was born, it flashed red if the water was too hot, it was great and then later doubled up as a bath toy for Lucy to play with.
In at number 1 as the best essential item to buy for the newborn period is…
1/ Sling/Wrap - Weirdly enough, a sling isn’t something that I never thought about when I was pregnant, I just assumed I would use the pram when out and about and the Moses basket when in the house. What I didn’t realise is that a baby wants to be with you all the time, they find comfort from being near you. It’s not easy to do things one-handed whilst holding the baby in the other arm. A sling allows your baby to be comfortable and feel safe whilst you can have both hands free. Check out your local sling library to see what sling/wrap would be best for you - here is the link to the local sling library in West Yorkshire.
Interestingly enough, it seems that we don’t actually need that much for the fourth trimester. All of these fancy gadgets didn’t even make the cut. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to spend a fortune because actually, all that your baby really needs is you.
I hope you found this useful, keep an eye out for the next blog post - Items that you do not need to buy for the newborn stage.
Whilst you are here, why not have a read of some of my client’s positive birth stories:
Hannah xx