When you find out you’re expecting a baby the planning and preparation soon begin. I remember how overwhelming it was trying to pick and choose items for my baby registry the first time around. There are so many products out there marketed to make parenting less stressful and easier.
It’s easy to think you need one of everything. But when I had my first baby, I quickly learned the baby doesn’t care how much “stuff” you have. Even if the product promises to help your baby sleep or soothe that’s not always the case. And let’s face it, all these baby products can get expensive.
Here are some more must haves for new moms.
4 Newborn Must Haves
Since recently having my second daughter, I decided to keep things simple this time. Below are my top 4 must-haves for newborns. Early on, you will probably notice a theme. These items mainly involve supporting sleep. Babies sleep a lot early on and tired mommas want them to sleep well!
1. Sound Machine with White Noise
Almost every sleep advice you read or hear involves white noise and I think it really works. This was a necessity with the second-born to help drown out the toddler screaming in the background during nap time. Our sound machine is multipurpose, it also serves as a nightlight which is great for middle-of-the-night feeds. I can control it through my phone with an app including setting a timer, changing colors of the light, and different sound options as well. My favorite feature is being able to turn it on with my phone without getting out of bed. Sometimes that’s enough to settle baby, at least for a little while! I also recommend a mobile sound machine. We use a battery-powered “Shusher” (like this one) in the car or when we are out and about. It’s been a life-saver!
2. Swaddle Sleep Sack
Let’s face it; no matter how hard you try it’s impossible to swaddle a baby as effectively as the nurse does in the hospital! I swear they are magicians. Instead of fussing with loose blankets trying to get the perfect swaddle that baby won’t get out of in 5 minutes, we opted for a swaddle sleep sack. This helped baby feel comforted and helps with that crazy startle reflex! I love the ones that have zipper access at the bottom so you don’t have to un-swaddle for a diaper change. And as baby grows the sleep sacks can be used with arms out as well.
3. Heating Pad
I discovered this hack with my firstborn and implemented it right away when I brought baby number 2 home. We used a heating pad to warm her bassinet before bed and this helped make the transfer from my warm arms to her separate sleep space go much better! We would warm her mattress with the heating pad on the low or medium setting for 10-15 minutes. I would even put it on her mattress in the middle of the night while I fed her to keep her sleep space warm. Of course, always make sure you remove the heating pad before putting baby down and check to make sure it’s not too warm!
4. Help
So this isn’t an item or product but it sure is a must-have! Get help from friends, or family members, or even a professional doula! Help with baby, with older children, cleaning, cooking, whatever you need. You don’t have to do it all!
The second time around I have been much better about asking and accepting help and it’s made this postpartum season much more enjoyable. Besides my family and friends, I was also gifted some hours with a postpartum doula. I can’t recommend that enough. Motherhood is so much better with a tribe!
While motherhood will never be easy, it can be easier! Don’t stress about different gadgets just keep it simple. Your bank account will thank you!
