When I was pregnant I felt constantly overwhelmed at the options that were out there.
Dis my baby really need 4 different beds and did I really need a nappy bin? What was wrong with my normal bin...
It's true that the internet is a blessing for this generation - everything at your fingertips. The answers in a click but, the internet can also be your demise.
There is so much information that I honestly believe it can be too much. Especially when you are pregnant and you are already stressing about everything there is to stress about.
The internet, baby bunting and your local mums group forum can be OVERWHELMING.
Even asking your Mum friends can have conflicting views. You will find what works for you but, here I have compiled a few of my favourite things and self proclaimed essentials for newborn/baby life.
BABY CARRYING
Baby wearing is my ultimate favourite past time. And no, I'm not even kidding. Baby wearing was a delight for me. It helped me bond with Thomas and keep him settled on the days where he would not allow me to put him down... which was a lot! And all the reflux baby Mummas shouted AMEN!
But, seriously - wearing him was empowering because A) I needed a walking stick to move and B) it was handsfree, convenient and close.
My favourite was a wrap carrier in the newborn days. I loved the Chekoh wrap which I had in mint.
This material is light, breathable and stretchy. The first few times you put it on it is quite difficult but, once you get the hang of it - absolute God send.
Thomas would sleep in it easier and I could tuck his head in so that I could still stare at his face.
The other best thing about these is that it's still easy to go to the toilet - with them strapped to you. It's just like being pregnant but, you can see your baby!
SLEEPING
I was one of “those” pregnant ladies that swore they would never co-sleep (jokes on me) or have their baby in their room. I was under the full belief that my baby would go straight into their cot and that it would be hunky dory.
Skip to him choking on vomit night 2 in the hospital.
A bassinet was needed! Get yourself a good bassinet. Mesh sides are preferred as they are breathable if bubs goes up against it.
We LOVED ours that we actually picked up off Facebook marketplace... crazy right?!
Swaddling
Thomas hated being in anything other than a proper swaddle wrap. We tried the love to dream butterfly suits which are SO CONVENIENT but, he didn’t last long.
He liked to be fully wrapped. The best ones I found were jersey material- they stretch well and are easy to tuck the Houdini hands in.
Anyway, I don’t really know why I am recommending ANYTHING to do with sleep because my son doesn’t know what that means.
But, we do know that white noise has helped us get some of it.
When he was a newborn we used the Homedics Soundspa that is portable- this was great but, we went through a lot of batteries. I use this for travelling now.
I stumbled across the Aden&Anais Serenity Star which has been a god send. It plugs into the wall, has 3 volume options, plenty of sounds to choose from and you can also record your breastfeeding on it.... AMAZING!
NAPPY BAG
The best thing I ever decided was to go with a backpack type of nappy bag. It is amazing to travel with, keep yourself hands free.
When I was using a walking stick and struggled to walk it was easy for me to put Thomas in his wrap carrier and the backpack on and still be able to hold on and balance with confidence.
When we travel interstate, having the backpack option is easy to manoeuvre through the airport and it holds everything we need for both Thomas and I.
In the theme of nappies and butts- that brings me to:
Baby Wipes
Thomas was so sensitive as a newborn so, we only use Water Wipes- we love them!
I make me own for at home but, when I haven’t had time or on outings; water wipes are our go-to.
Nappy Cream
Paw Paw cream is the best barrier cream we have found that Thomas doesn’t react to.
I also use a breastmilk balm when the nappy rash gets very bad (how very hippy of me- I know!)
FEEDING
Bottle Sterilisation
I am under the opinion that a steriliser is a steriliser.
You can spend upwards of $100 for an electric one that takes 30 minutes or, you can go to Big W and spend $15 on one that you put in the microwave.
And guess what? They do the EXACT same thing with the exact same outcome.
Burp Cloths
Now, these were a lifesaver. I didn’t so much as move rooms without one.. and the reflux Mummas get me with that one.
A friends Mum gave me a whole heap of offcut pieces of material that she had overlooked. They were the best burp cloths ever!
They also worked as a makeshift change mat in desperate times.
Breast Pads
At first I used disposable but, I found these made me itchy, wouldn’t sit properly and were down right uncomfortable.
I stumbled across Bamboo Basix.
They do a pack of reusable breast pads for $29. You get 7 pairs (YES- LESS WASHING), a wash bag and a carry bag.
Breast Pump
When I first had Thomas I had to pump basically straight away. I didn’t know anything about breastfeeding and even less about expressing. I had a Tommee Tippee pump and honestly, it was great. I used it everyday for 9 months before it died.
After that, I went for the Medela Freestyle- this suited my lifestyle more as it was a double and I headed back to work. It took a week to get used to but, now I love it! I won’t go back. Medela all the way!
THE DREADED PRAM
Now this is the most overwhelming decision. It is an expensive item and it’s something you use almost everyday. I fully believe if you don’t love your pram, you won’t take every opportunity to go outside.
My criteria was simple.
Easy to fold. East to unfold. Easy to push.
We went with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT.
I cant fault it.
The basinet was nice and high, easy get in and out and the seat is even better.
My sister has this pram but, a double and she can push her 2 year old and 9 month old in it with absolute ease.
BATHING
Now, everyone will do this differently. At first, we bathed him in the kitchen sink.
When he got a little big for that we bought a baby bath from Kmart. It was a life saver for my back and my foot as we live in a townhouse. It was so easy to bath downstairs and only go upstairs where the bathrooms are when necessary.
Soap
I don’t believe newborns need anything on their delicate, perfectly soft skin. Water is just fine.
Occasionally, I would put some breastmilk in his bath.
We didn’t use anything else until he started solids and moving around. (until he was actually getting dirty that is).
We alternate between MooGoo and QV which is nice on his sensitive skin. We only use soap once- twice a week or if he gets extra dirty.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bouncer/Rocker:
A rocker that is also a swing was a life saver in the fourth trimester when Tom was away, my ankle was sore and Thomas just needed to He rocked for his reflux. I think I purchased this when he was about 9 weeks and I wish I had of done it sooner.
We had the Ingenuity Swing.
Onesies
the best onesies I found were the Bonds Cozysuit, Bonds Poodelette and the Big W towel onesies.
FOR MUM
Get yourself a good dressing gown- you will wear it a lot and live in it. You will snuggle your bundle and feel warm and cosy.
Underwear
now, if you were blessed (cursed) with a large bust like me then finding an affordable and equally as comfortable maternity bra is a hard task.
Triumph came through for me- I have been wearing them since half way through my pregnancy and I can not recommend them enough.
Get yourself some Grandma undies. I’m talking the beige and floral extremely high waisted big catchers you swore you would never wear. Buy them, and wear them. Your life will change after birth. They are high enough to sit over your caesarean scar and long enough to be able to be worn low preventing it running on your swollen vajay.
Water Intake
Find yourself big, useful water bottle. Because Mumma you will be thirsty. Thirstier than the Sahara Desert. You will walk past the tap, the fridge and your cup and swear you aren’t thirsty. Sit down to feed and suddenly your thirst has hit you like a Mac truck.
Cheeky Snacks
Lactation Cookies are a great way to have a snack (not feel guilty about it) and help your milk supply!) I do a mix of making my own and indulging in Franjos Kitchen bad boys.
Now, these are just my opinions and things I have found that work for me and my family.
I know I was overwhelmed when my eyes were opened to endless world that is baby products. It’s a massive market and a lot of things are purely useless.
I hope that this has helped you make some decisions in what products you may or may not need for your next season.
Until next time,
Carly xxx
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