Prepping for a new baby can be so overwhelming. Hormones + pregnancy pain + anticipation= stress. Here’s a list to help you focus on a few things to help with stress and help you feel more prepared!
1. Order your breast pump
If you are planning on breastfeeding, check with your insurance carrier and find out what pumps they will provide for free (should be a double electric pump). If you have choices, then you should consider a couple factors to choose the best pump. T Where are you going to be pumping? If you need to transport the pump to work, car, etc. then a smaller and battery-operated option may be best!
2. Buy a nursing pillow
There are lots of brands. Sit in the chair that you plan on nursing in and test it on your lap. If you don’t like it now you definitely won’t like it with a baby. Return it and try another!
3. Buy Aquaphor
This is a great all-around useful ointment for babies. It works well for diaper rash and other rashes and it can be used with a digital thermometer to make insertion easier- (yes you will have to insert a thermometer in your baby’s bum! It is the most accurate way to take the temperature of a baby under a year old.)
4. Buy a few infant emery board and/or nail clippers
Baby’s nails grow very fast. Moms find that using a nail file is the best way to keep baby’s nails trim but you can also use baby nail clippers but not til their fingers are longer and easier to hold still.
5. Buy a baby notebook/folder
Have something that you can put all baby’s paperwork in right away. This will be helpful to have everything in one place. Example: information from OB, hospital discharge, vaccine record, pediatrician appointment info.
6. Buy breastfeeding supplies (see my blog about What a Pain in the Nip)
Nipple cream, Hydrogel pads, and nursing pads for leaky boobs (yuk). Some bottles and nipples (#1 slow flow nipples are the best for most infants).
7. Buy basic equipment: bassinet, crib, stroller and car seat
Assemble and install carseat while you are still pregnant- believe it or not they are super annoying to put together and not something you want to be doing sleep deprived.
Baby will be in your room when you first bring them home, so get a bassinet that will fit next to your bed.
Just because strollers cost more DOES NOT mean they are better! Prioritize safety and convenience not gadgets.
DON’T BUY TOO MUCH EQUIPMENT. The basics are just fine. FYI – Stores will be open after your baby is born.
8. Make some food for your freezer Having a few easy meals to pull out of your freezer will be helpful when you are super tired and hungry once the baby is in your arms.