Becoming a parent for the first time is very exciting. And while it’s easy to get caught up buying necessities for your newborn, it’s also important to make sure that you have a few things to help you during the postpartum period.
Here are a handful of products that are must-have essentials for all moms (and their babies).
For the mom on the go, a durable diaper bag should be at the top of your shopping list. It needs to be spacious enough to hold diapers, baby wipes, bottles, and even a spare change of clothes. Ideally, you’ll also want to make sure there are pockets (inside and outside), so you can easily access things that you need immediately.
Over time, breastfeeding can cause a strain on your neck and back. Nursing pillows provide that extra padding of support by keeping your baby in a certain position. While they are mainly used for breastfeeding, nursing pillows can come in handy when your bottle feeding too.
A baby monitor is useful for keeping an eye on your baby when they’re sleeping or playing in a different room. If budget is a concern, a basic audio monitor will do the trick. Video monitors are more expensive, although they will allow you to physically see what’s happening in the other room. You can find used or refurbished monitors online if you’re looking to save money (feel free also to check out some other useful online shopping statistics).
Nursing bras are explicitly designed to help make breastfeeding easier. They are made with foldable cups that can be easily pulled down on the fly. Not only do they make it easier to nurse, but they are also much more comfortable to wear compared to every day or nursing bras. Consider buying at least two or three different nursing bras so you can wash or interchange them.
A travel system is essentially a car seat, stroller, and baby carrier all in one. That means you can convert the stroller into a carrier or car seat without waking and disturbing them. Although you can buy each product separately, purchasing a travel system is a practical and space-saving investment in the long run.
Let’s face it – breastfeeding can have some painful side effects for new moms. Nipple cream can be used to soothe cracked, sore, or raw skin caused by nursing. Look for a product without parabens, silicones, or other ingredients that could potentially harm your baby while breastfeeding.
During those middle-of-the-night wakeups, you’ll be glad you have a light and noise sound machine at your bedside. The ambient light provides a calm atmosphere for your baby, while the soothing sounds can help lull them back to sleep. It can also help you if you struggle to fall back asleep in the middle of the night!
Soft breast pads can be a savior if you have sore nipples. They are inserted into your nursing bra and act as extra padding. Breast pads can also prevent breast milk from leaking or staining your clothes. For that reason alone, it’s one of the most useful accessories to have when you start to breastfeed your newborn.
Nobody likes changing diapers, but at least a baby changing station can make this process a whole lot easier. It’s worth investing in a sturdy table that is at the right level to prevent neck strain and backaches. You also want to make sure it has enough storage compartments for all the essentials like clothes, diapers, wipes, creams, toys, and changing pads.
Wrapping your baby in a swaddle blanket can help them sleep more comfortably and for longer periods of time, which also means you get to sleep longer too! If you’re crafty enough to DIY your own swaddle, make sure it is thin and lightweight, so your baby won’t overheat during the night. You can reference the TOG rating to find a blanket that’s the right weight for your baby’s temperature.
Some new moms prefer to wear their baby in a wrap instead of in a handheld carrier. This allows you to keep your baby snuggly in front of you while freeing up your hands to use for other things. Even as your little one grows, the wrap can adjust so that the weight is evenly distributed to prevent back, neck, and shoulder aches.
It’s normal to have some cramps and pain for weeks after giving birth. Heating pads can work miracles during those painful moments by soothing your sores and aches. Microwavable heat pads or even a hot water bottle can also be beneficial if you want something that doesn’t plugin.
Preparing for your newborn can feel overwhelming at first. And while you’re about to embark on this very exciting journey, don’t forget to also take care of yourself during this memorable time. Having the right essentials for you and your baby will make your life that much easier!
Author Bio: Georgi Todorov is the founder of ThriveMyWay, a place for online entrepreneurs, bloggers, SEO specialists, and freelancers to find success in their own way.
LinkedIn: Georgi Todorov
Twitter: @GeorgiTodorovBG
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