8 Essentials for Surviving the Newborn Stage
It’s finally time to bring your baby home. You’ve waited 9 months for your new bundle of joy. You’re feeling excited, nervous and terrified all at the same time. It is a unique time that some mothers describe as the sweetest days or the toughest days they’ve every experienced. What we can all agree on is that it is a experience that changes your life forever. After having two kids there are some essentials that have helped me survive those first two months. I promise it gets better!
Velcro Swaddles: I know every baby is different but these are a life savior. It keeps them warm and snuggly and prevents them from waking themselves up from the moro reflux. I swear by the velcro ones. Don’t waste your time getting the muslim blankets. Most babies squeeze out of them. The velcro makes it quicker for you and harder for them to wiggle out. Of course, when they start rolling over always take their arms out. These are my favorite.
Footed Sleep n Plays: In the first few months babies grow quickly and most are at home. Unless you have any events to attend, your baby will live in this footed sleep n plays. My favorite are the zipper ones so their easy to take on and off especially for those explosions in the middle of the night. Old navy and GAP have some of my favorite as they has have them in solid colors.
Nipple Cream: So not the most excited of the list. If you try breastfeeding, you’re going to need this the first weeks. Unfortunately, they become sore and cracked and this will help alleviate some of that pain!
A Good Pump: While we are on the topic, do not forget a good pump. Whether you plan on breastfeeding or not, you’re going to need a pump as in the beginning you can become full which can cause pain and even infection. I have the Medela Pump in Style and it worked well for me!
Coffee Coffee Coffee: This is my ‘me time’. Whether you like coffee, tea or any indulgent do not let go of it. Of course within reason especially if you are breastfeeding. But this keeps me sane.
Organized Nursery: Motherhood is hard and demanding. Those first few weeks are brutal especially with little sleep. What saved me was my this organized corner nursery. I had stocked up on diapers, wipes, onesies, bibs and so on! I used IKEA drawer organizers to make sure it was all ready before the baby. It will really help in the long run so you won’t be shuffling to find baby items.
Frozen Meals: Ahhhh! This was amazing to have the first few weeks. My mom gave me some frozen food which I could use the first few weeks as I had zero energy to cook. Try freezing some easy meals while you're pregnant. Although seems like a hassle, will be worth it later.
Extra Help!!: The most important for last. If possible, take the extra help where you can get it. Our parents, siblings, and friends really came through and I wouldn’t have done it without them. Even though you’ll have your partner, a third extra hand is really helpful. If you need to get groceries delivered, do it! If you need a help around the house, get a cleaning service once a month. Eventually you will get a handle on things but in those first few weeks it’s really about bonding with the baby and getting rest when you can.