Everything you need to be prepared for your new baby!

Congratulations!!!  

I know this is an exciting time in your life and you want everything to be perfect.

If you are a first time mom, it is especially easy to become overwhelmed.  I am not going to let that happen on my watch.

In this article I bring to you…

•  A list of essential items you will need for the first 6 weeks
• The “Ultimate Hospital Packing List”
• A link for Baby names
• Information from how to clip baby’s nails to treating cradle cap.
• A video showing how to correctly swaddle your baby
• Nursery and closet organizers
• Baby furniture

With that being said, I want you to picture yourself in the nursery 2 weeks after your new baby is born.  Focus on that and step into that moment.  What do you see?  What do you hear?  What do you smell?  Now take a moment and put yourself in your baby’s shoes and ask yourself, what does he/she see, hear or smell?  If you are comfortable in this room then your baby should be too.

Your baby will spend a lot of time in this space and because of that, it is important to make it as fresh and cozy as possible, regardless of your budget.  Love doesn’t cost anything!

So, with love in mind, let’s look at some ways to make you and your new baby comfortable and happy.

Say No to clutter!  It is essential that you have everything organized before baby arrives.  You don’t want to trip over things while finding your way to a hungry baby in the middle of the night.  It is vital to have an organized nursery, as it provides a peaceful, relaxing space for baby to develop and grow.  Who wants their baby to wake up to chaotic and cluttered room?  When mommy is relaxed it helps the baby to feel more secure and happy.

Everyone has their own style when it comes to organizing.  The one common denominator is that everything has a place and everything is in it’s place.

It  is important to be able to find what you need at a moments notice.  Hence keeping everything in it’s place.

You also need to consider what you may need outside of the nursery.  Where will you be nursing the baby?  Is the rocking chair in the family room?  You may want to consider setting up a small organized baby station like this one beside your chair with everyday essentials such as diapers, wipes, diaper cream, breast pads, etc.  I love this one because it spins for easy use.  Click the picture and order yours today.  This would also make a great gift from one organized mom to another.

A MUST HAVE:  Newborns come with their own personality.   Everyone’s experience is different because every baby is different.  Yes, they all have the same basic needs but are still individuals nontheless.  I highly recommend that you read this book.  It is an extraordinary look into the personality of your new baby and helps you to read the signs and respond to their individual needs.  Every new or expecting mom needs this life raft of information.  Order your copy here: The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems: Sleeping, Feeding, and Behavior–Beyond the Basics from Infancy Through Toddlerhood  My daughter was living back at home when my first grandchild was born.  We read this book before the baby was born and we were amazed at how much we learned.  As soon as the baby was born, we were able to understand her body language and different cries.  We were able to determine right off the bat what she was communicating just by observation.  We knew when she was in pain, bored, over stimulated, etc.  As soon as we began to pinpoint what was bothering her, we were able to make her more comfortable faster rather than trying everything under the sun to get her to quit crying.  It was just amazing!

Nursery organizers

Closet organizers

Drawer dividers

Nursery furniture

Baby monitors

Baby clothes

Essentials List for the first six weeks:

Feeding

Nursing Pillow: These nifty pillows help you comfortably support your baby during feedings.

Bibs (4): Bibs keep spit-up and drool off clothes – need we say more?

Burp cloths (6 to 12): You can take these essential items everywhere to protect your clothes from the inevitable baby spit-up and other liquid spills.

Nipple cream: Breastfeeding can dry out the delicate skin of your nipples, and nipple creams ease dryness, heal cracked skin, and soothe soreness.

Breast pump: If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, pumping means that another caregiver (like your partner or Grandma) can take some of the feedings. See our guide to breast pumps for more information.

Formula: If you can’t or don’t plan to breastfeed, there are numerous infant formula options to choose from – talk to your healthcare provider.

Bottles and Nipples: Even if you breastfeed exclusively, you’ll want to have bottles and newborn nipples at home if you plan to pump. If you plan to use formula exclusively, you’ll go through roughly ten 4-ounce bottles a day.

Diapering

Changing table: A bureau or low dresser with a cushioned changing pad will work just fine. But a stand-alone changing table comes with nice extras like safety railings and lots of storage space.

Diapers: Much of your life in these early weeks involves changing diapers. About 80 percent of parents opt for disposables. Others choose a cloth diaper service, wash cloth diapers at home, or use biodegradable diaper liners.

Decide which kind of diapers you want to use and stock up ahead of time. Keep in mind you’ll be going through ten to 12 diapers each day during the first few weeks.

Diaper wipes:  For cleaning your baby’s bottom during diaper changes.

Diaper cream or petroleum jelly: A soothing balm protects your little one’s tender skin against diaper rash.

A Diaper disposal system: This is a handy, effective way to store used diapers until you’re ready to take out the trash. Unlike a standard-issue garbage pail, a diaper disposal system hides diaper odor.

Diaper bag: Whether you’re going to the neighbor’s house or to the grocery store, you’ll need to tote along everything necessary for changing diapers away from home. Pick a bag you really like the looks of, because it’ll be part of your outfit for months to come. But it has to be practical, with a portable changing pad, a waterproof lining, and places to stash your keys, wallet, and phone.

Sleeping

Crib: Your newborn can sleep in a bassinet, but you’ll eventually need a crib.  Having the crib and nursery set up prior to bringing baby home is important.  This allows you and baby to transition into your new routine much smoother.

Crib mattress: Shop for a firm innerspring or foam crib mattress.

Baby bedding, sheets and crib pads: Buy at least two sets of crib sheets to cut down on laundry panic. Save quilts and blankets for out-of-the-crib cuddling, though, as soft bedding poses a potential SIDS risk. The same goes for crib bumpers —they pose a SIDS risk, and experts recommend not using them. For cuddling outside of the bed here are some cozy Baby blankets.  How to keep sleeping baby warm without using blankets.

Bathtime

Baby bathtub: A tub specially designed to hold a wriggling baby will keep yours safe and give your back a break as well.

Hooded terrycloth towels: Experienced moms say wrapping up your baby in one of these soft hooded towels is a great way to keep him warm and dry after a bath.

Gentle Baby shampoo & wash: Just use a little, and make sure it’s mild.

Health

Baby first aid kit

Bulb syringe: How to clear your baby’s stuffy nose.

Baby nail scissors or clippers: How to trim your baby’s nails safely.

A soft-bristled Baby brush: How to care for and treat cradle cap.

Getting around

Baby front pack or sling: A newborn loves being held close; the warmth of your body and the thump of your heart will soothe him like nothing else. A pack or sling also leaves your hands free to do other things.

Baby stroller: For a newborn, you’ll want a stroller that reclines to almost flat, or allows you to snap on your infant car seat. Babies shouldn’t be propped upright for long until they’re about 3 months old or until they’ve developed stronger neck muscles.

Car seat: U.S. law requires that your child sit in a car seat while riding in any car – even on the way home from the hospital. For a newborn, you have two choices: a rear-facing infant seat designed to be used until your baby weighs around 20 pounds, or a convertible seat, which can face rear or front, designed to be used by both babies and older children.

Soothers and entertainment

Swaddling blankets (2): Use these to swaddle and comfort your baby. See video below on how to swaddle a baby.  It is really sweet and informative.

Pacifiers: A baby who seems to want to nurse or consume another bottle right after a feeding may need something else to suck on, and a pacifier may do the trick. Pacifiers can also soothe a fussy baby when you’re on the go or need some quiet time to rest.

Infant swing: Some parents find a battery-powered infant swing to be a godsend. The swing’s soothing back-and-forth motion can calm a cranky infant and buy you time to do something else with your hands.

Bouncy seat: Strap your baby into a bouncy seat, propped at a 45-degree angle, and he can see the world. It’s designed to jiggle and soothe your baby.

Sound machine: The sound of waves crashing or rain falling can soothe a crying baby and lull him into dreamland. These electronic wonders also work on adults desperate for some shuteye.

Mobile: Hang one of these over your baby’s bed and you’ll produce long hours of entertainment for him. A newborn can see high-contrast black-and-white images, and watching them drift overhead will fascinate and soothe him. Some mobiles come with interchangeable primary-colored panels for an older baby.

Night light: One of these inexpensive lights will allow you to get through nighttime feedings and diaper changes without having to switch on a light and completely awaken your sleepy baby (and yourself).

Just for mom

Nursing bra (2 to 4): For comfort, buy 100 percent cotton without underwire. Some nursing bras unhook from the strap and others unsnap between the cups. You may want to try a couple of styles to see which you like best.

Nursing pads (disposable or washable): Inserting one of these in each bra cup can keep your shirts dry between feedings. Like diapers, pads come in both cloth and disposable styles. In disposables, look for pads with a self-stick strip. Cloth pads are usually made of flannel and need frequent washing.

Maxi pads & panty liners: You’ll want a couple of boxes of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads. When the lochia discharge slows, usually within two or three weeks, you’ll also want a couple of boxes of panty liners.

Hemorrhoid wipes and cream: Even if you didn’t get hemorrhoids during pregnancy, you may discover you have them as an aftereffect of the pushing during labor.

Ice pack: If you experienced tearing during delivery, cooling ice packs will help your recovery by reducing swelling and numbing soreness.

Looking for baby names?  Click here:  

The ultimate hospital packing list:  

Finding the right Pediatrician for your new baby.

Breast-feeding tips

Visit my board on Pinterest for Baby nursery ideas

How to swaddle a baby video:  So sweet!

Check out my Pinterest board:  Nursery Ideas

I hope this helps you get ready for your new baby and your new life!

Share the love!!!  Please share this article with your friends and family that have a baby on the way.