The first month with your Newborn- What you Actually Need

To celebrate getting through this monumental first month with our newborn,  my blog entry is dedicated to outlining our list of MUST HAVE items to survive the first 30 days. 

^Look at how GREAT we are doing!

Bassinet or infant napper

The expensive crib, that took you 3 days and 14 allen wrenches to put together, is purely decorative. If you actually get to put your baby down in the first month, she will need to be within 5 inches of you. Your new baby is obsessed with you. She may be a little demanding, but its out of love. And, your lifetime-movie-style-stalker infant needs constant reassurance that you are right by her side. 

We used the Graco pack and play. It was great because it includes a changer and the infant napper. Our little lady would not sleep on a flat surface, but on the slight incline of the napper, after some negotiations, she will (sometimes) sleep in there. The changer is great for middle of the night diaper changes. 

Baby sling 

So, you've given up on the idea of putting her down. Accepting your reality is an important step, good for you. Unless you want diesel Terry Crews biceps, you will need to give your arms a break. The sling can help you get your basic needs met. Good news for the ladies: the front carriers feel exactly like being pregnant, so you will be able to navigate your home while wearing them with ease. Gentlemen...welcome to our world. 

We tried two different slings. The baby Ktan and the Ergo baby sling. Personally, I like the ergo baby best. The ergo baby carrier is easier to get on and off when you are alone and your sleeping baby can stay in the infant insert and get placed on her back in the bassinet for a smooth transition. The baby K'tan is less bulky but our baby slumped down in it causing her breathing to become a concern.

 K'tan VS.  Ergo Baby Carrier

Infant caps

Your baby likes being warm. We have a summer baby, but we still have to bundle her up from the A.C. So, make sure you get your baby at least 2 fitted beanies to keep her little head warm.  If she instantly looks like a miniature burglar, you've purchased the right ones. If the baby is going to rob you of your sleep, your figure, and your sanity- she might as well be dressed the part.  

Sleepers

Your baby doesn't have anywhere to be. She has no job or dates. She may have a doctor appointment in there somewhere, but that's about it. So, there is no reason to buy a grip of newborn outfits for her. Her clothes need to be easy to get on and off, comfortable, and have diaper accessibility. She essentially needs a sack to poop, pee, eat, and sleep in. Luckily, these cotton potato sacks were made socially acceptable for dressing your child. A cute decoration was placed on the front and, Voila! they were labeled "sleeper gowns". 

Swaddle blankets

A lot of people will tell you about the "womb-like conditions" that will comfort your infant. These people are right. Wrap that baby like the little burrito she yearns to be. These blankets will get peed on and spit up on A LOT, so I suggest having at least 5 on hand.
<---not my baby. But, I wish it was. 

Washcloths & As many random pieces of fabric as possible

You will spend the first 30 days constantly patting the corners of a mouth, a butt, and eye boogies. At no time do you want the eye cloth to become the butt cloth. Or the butt cloth to become the mouth cloth. To avoid this, I suggest getting multiple of the same cloth. You can develop a system- for us purple are the poop cloths, blue are the burping clothes, and the washcloths are everything else. 

Oatmeal, a water cup with a straw, lanolin, and nipple shields. 

This is your artillery kit for breastfeeding. Oatmeal helps build your milk supply. Staying hydrated is extremely important to produce milk as well. You may also want to have some formula on hand to supplement prior to your milk coming in. Using formula to supplement or exclusively breastfeeding is a personal choice. The lanolin will help avoid the nipple soreness and for the love of God- have a nipple shield handy. If you happen to have a baby that doesn't latch perfectly, you may get a nipple injury. If you do get an injury, do not torture yourself. Use a shield to help the baby latch. Give your boobs a pep talk and make sure you have the next essential on the list...

Motrin & Stool softener

That's for you, mom. Post Partum is not a glamorous time in your life. You want these two items waiting for you when you come home from the hospital. Enough Said. 

Ten billion diapers. Wipes. & butt paste

Your baby is going to poop and pee more than you ever dreamed possible. Get newborn size diapers and size 1, in case you have a big baby. Also, if you're trying to estimate how many diapers you will go through in a month, estimate high. Every baby is different, but our little girl goes through about 12-15 diapers every. single. day. Pampers sells a diaper that has a moisture strip, it turns blue when the diaper gets wet. We like that. 

Car Seat

I recommend the Graco Travel System. We like that the car seat detaches from the stroller in one click  and it clicks right into your vehicle without disturbing the little one. It also has two cup holders. In case you have TWO cups of coffee. It gets me. 

  Finally, remember non scented baby soap/shampoo, baby safe detergent and dish soap, and your first aid kit (aspirator, thermometer, baby aspirin).

That wraps it up! These are the essentials we needed. Everything else...eh, its nice to have. Baby bath? You have a sink. Diaper bag? You're covered with a big purse. Binkie? You have a little finger. 

Good Luck to the upcoming & New parents out there! It's a wild 30 days, but it goes fast. So, remember to have fun.