I was talking to my mother-in-law last week about the best things to get for a new mama, and I realized it's been a while since I laid down some totally unsolicited advice in that department. But, if you're reading this blog on your own [i.e., I didn't drag you kicking and screaming], I hope you won't consider this total harassment.
I mean, at least I'm not touching your belly.
Yet.
#1 The Miracle Blanket. I can get on a soap box one thousand stories high on this one. You won't understand why you need it until you desperately need one this very night if you are to get any more than an hour of sleep at a time and if you don't you will punch someone in the face. So go ahead and get one and have it ready. Watch the video on how to use it, and for the love of GOD don't cut out the wings on the inside [true story!!]. I understand that some babies don't need to be swaddled, although I've never personally experienced this. The bottom line is, if your baby does need to be swaddled, don't bother with the other blankets.
#2 Aden and Anais muslin swaddle blankets.
I didn't have these when Mary Bullock was born, but when I had a second chance, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Whoa. Fuss totally warranted. They're soft, they're huge, perfect for swaddling [before your baby gets active enough to need #1.] They're also perfect for just about every other baby use you can imagine: nursing cover, light blanket, burp cloth, changing pad...I've used these for just about everything. And they're so precious they make your heart hurt a little.
#3 Huggies wipes. I don't know about you, but I don't like getting poop on my hands when I change baby diapers. Maybe I'm just weird. But I've used all different kinds of wipes, and these are the best. They're thick and soft and just right. Just make sure you buy them in bulk from Costco or Sam's [NOT from Amazon Mom, where for some reason they are priced astronomically high].
#4 Hanna Andersson sleepers. We've been over this already, I know. But buy with caution: These will totally spoil you and prevent you from ever being satisfied with the $7 Target sleepers. If you do decide to buy other sleepers, though, at least make sure that the majority of them are ZIPPERED. Every time you have to snap a million snaps at 3am on a baby who is squirmy and angry that you don't just FEED HIM ALREADY FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, you will curse the person who decided that 27 snaps were just the thing for a baby sleeper.
#5 The Ultimate Crib Sheet. You probably love the crib sheet that you picked out for your baby's crib, but if you're like me, you'll grow to hate it more and more every time you have to change it. It takes super human strength to change a crib sheet for some reason--there's barely enough fabric to make it fit. Definitely something you don't want to have to do often [and certainly not in the middle of the night]. This is not the prettiest solution, but it's definite sanity saver.
#6 The Power of a Positive Mom. This book was an attitude adjustment for me when full-time mommy-ing got tough. I've read it through twice, but it can also be used for great topical reminders of why in the world we're doing all this in the first place. I keep my copy in my car for for on-the-go reference. [Do not attempt to read this on the elliptical at the gym if you are a crier such as myself. Bodily injury may occur.]
#7 A good man to make you breakfast. Mine's taken, so get yours on board the breakfast train ASAP. ;)
That's it for now. Do you have some must haves that I should know about?
We never used our Ultimate Crib Sheet, but others swear by it. Totally agree on the Huggies, but I'd get even more specific and say get the Natural, unscented kind. Jake accidentally got the scented kind this time (TWO HUGE BOXES) and I can't stand the smell. It's awful and the last thing you want to add onto the smell of poop. Be warned!!
ReplyDeleteWell, we didn't use our Ultimate Crib sheet until she was actually in the crib (2+ months), and we definitely used it more once she was a little older (like old enough to take off her own diaper and poop in her crib-- true story). But definitely better than changing the crib sheet!
ReplyDeleteAND-- we actually had to buy the scented wipes last time, too, as that's all they had at Costco. We got this fresh cucumbery smell and we actually really like it. I was afraid the scent wouldn't do well on L4's sensitive skin, but we've had no issues. What kind of scent did yours have?
Love this post! The only thing I'm missing is the Power of Positive Mom book, which I'll have to pick up soon. And the photo of L4 all swaddled up made my heart melt - he's so sweet!
ReplyDeleteYay, Jess! Can't wait to meet LC!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list! BUT, how in the world did you get your Husband on the breakfast train? We've got things backwards in our house and I'm interested in fixing that ASAP! Do tell!
ReplyDeleteYou should do a post on things to have on hand to be prepared for the toddler stage as well such as bulk quantities of goldfish from Costco. ;)
Well, it works best if you are nursing and physically unable to make breakfast in a timely manner. Then people get hungry, and what's a husband to do if he wants to eat?
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not sure toddlers need anything except goldfish and Target diapers. Short post. :)