10 Must Haves Before Bringing Home Newborn.
Becoming a new parent can be stressful, especially when you get closer to bringing your baby home.
Do you have everything you need?
You might even look for other parents’ checklists on Pinterest and have many optional items in your cart. Instead, if you want to overbuy or find yourself on a budget, I would like to share the best investment items I use daily with my newborn. Let me add that he is three months old, and I am still using these items.
1. If Breastfeeding: Hakka
Breastfeeding mamas, It can become a hassle to feed your baby on one chest while holding a pump in your hand on the other chest. To make things easier during your sessions, try the Hakka. This new device mimics a suction cup for your chest to suction your precious liquid gold without pumping. Get this, HANDS FREE! So you will still be holding your baby in one arm, but with the Hakka, you will squeeze the device one good time around your areola, and it will grasp your nipple to release milk. This leaves you with one free hand to eat, drink, or even get some work done if you can become a pro at it!
2. Fan
Recently, I noticed that my baby loves the noise of a loud fan when falling asleep. I am a mommy who also enjoys a fan blowing near my face at night, but the coolness or the noise of a fan makes him calm. My baby loves it, so you should try this out!
(P.S The fan might be convenient for you when your hormones fluctuate back and forth, leaving you with continuous night sweats.)
3. Swing
Now, a baby swing is helpful when soothing your baby. The motion of the swing with music can calm your baby down. It can often put your baby to sleep. Yes, I am guilty of using the swing to put my baby to sleep! Even if you use this method of soothing your newborn, you should follow protocol on the safety requirement suggested when using the swing. Such as picking your baby up and laying them in their bassinet or crib after falling asleep.
*You can also get many things done around the house during their swing time.
4. Carrier (Sling)
Another way of getting things done around the house is by carrying your baby in a carrier. Having the baby close to you, chest to chest, can help soothe the baby and even put the baby to sleep. While the baby is on you, you can maneuver around the house and even begin work (if you work from home). Bonding, comforting, and productivity all in one!
(Side note: If you are 5’1 like me, it can be challenging to wash dishes with the height of countertops, and I do not suggest cooking on the stove or oven while carrying your baby, but other chores are thumbs up! Just ensure the baby’s neck is supported in the sling and their legs and back are adjusted correctly for their safety.)
5. Sensory Toys / Books
Black and white sensory toys and books are a great way to occupy a baby as you get through your day trying to complete chores around the house. What is great about these toys and books is that they help build social skills (regarding the different themes introduced), relax and calm your baby, build focus, and are entertaining. When I got home from the hospital, I assumed my baby was going to sleep all the time, but that was not the case. I know anything can entertain them, but the sensory toys and books I eventually bought occupied my baby for a significant amount of time, especially since those were the only colors visible to his newborn eyes.
(He is currently three months old and still amazed at the same books and toys that I bought him.)
Amazon teytoy stimulation book
{Update May 5, 2024: My three-year-old son still loves the sensory toys that lasted so long. He even plays with his brothers, who enjoy the toys. So, if you are planning to have more children, I will include the sensory toys that I have invested in that have lasted so far, three years!}
6. Velcro Swaddle
Babies love feeling snugged tight in a swaddle since it reminds them of themselves in your womb before delivery. If you are anything like me, you can find that swaddling your bundle of joy can be difficult when you know that soon after, you will find that baby has broken out of what you thought was a good swaddle. That is where this product comes in. You wrap your baby in an effortless wrap and secure the wrap by velcroing the material together, holding the baby in a tight swaddle. Swaddling is vital to a happy baby and a happy mommy. Swaddle and lay baby down; I kid you not. You have just added some sleep time for yourself.
My burrito swaddle, baby! (Include Picture)
7. Lavender Lotion and Soap
Just like adults, it is nice to come home and prepare a warm bath to relax before bed after having a long day. And just like you, your baby will also enjoy a warm bath to relax. If you want that deep relaxation, add lavender soap to the bath water, followed by a good lavender lotion massage. The lavender scent is a therapeutic remedy to help settle your baby down for the night. Once the tone is set from a warm scented bath to a gentle skin-to-skin massage, you have induced sleep and reduced stress levels for you and the baby.
(PLEASE analyze your baby’s skin’s sensitivity to scented products before using any product.)
8. Baby Lounger (Baby Nest Co-Sleeper)
Let me explain why this product is worth the investment. So, I am a new mother who was unbelievably tired when I had my baby. The reason for my tiredness was simply because of the fear that I had regarding SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). I wanted to rest but realized that I had created a habit of checking the bassinet so frequently that I began to lose hours of rest. I also refused to sleep with him because I knew that I would be fearful through the night, and it just would not work for me. (Clearly a me issue.)
Anyway, once I was vulnerable enough to share my fear and lack of sleep with my cousin, she introduced me to this item. I was hesitant but desperate, and she surprised me with one of the best gifts ever. I tested it out with my husband watching me for peace of mind but eventually got the habit of using it when needed by myself! Don’t get me wrong, the baby does well in his bed, but those sleepless nights where the baby was cluster feeding, leaving us both restless, left us to safely co-sleep. So, I suggest this item for people who want to be close to their baby at night and generally co-sleep.
*My husband thought it was only necessary one afternoon when he got off work and was extremely tired. I entered the bedroom and saw him and our baby boy sleeping together. Safely, may I add.
(P.S. This item was convenient when my husband and I would travel. No need to bring a big bed and lose space in the car; this baby lounge is very helpful and gives you space in the car!)
9. Caddy Organizer
Let me tell you, sister, having an organized caddy next to your bed filled with your favorite snacks, drinks, diapers, wipes, and extra spare clothes for your baby is a lifesaver! I can not exaggerate this more than I already have, but if you want to buy yourself some rest time, having all your nightly essentials next to you is a must!!!
10. Community
As much as every baby needs some materialistic device, please note that nothing can prepare you before your baby comes home than for you to have a support group. Rather than your spouse, family, or friends, having your village of support will help you in the long run. You will be able to receive help as needed for the moments of a new change that has happened to your body and your new life. Please cherish every person who is willing to be there to support your needs.
That being said, getting ready for your baby is a beautiful experience. However, it can sometimes become stressful when you need to know what is required and what financial factors are involved. I have listed the best products I have received and invested in that helped me get through my baby’s first couple of months (hopefully until he is at least one).
I hope this helps. If so, please share it with someone you know who would benefit from reading it.
