It was so helpful to get advice from moms when I was pregnant because I found buying baby products to be overwhelming. Not to mention that the large chain store that I thought would make getting prepared for baby easier (you know, that R Us store) actually made it more difficult. So here it is, my must have list for new moms. These are things that you will use within the first two weeks after labor.
Almost all of these items can be purchased at Target. I recommend purchasing them a few weeks before your due date, but you can always send out your husband to get them if you go into labor early.
1. Lansinoh wipes- Need 3 boxes. These wipes seem to be better for newborn skin. They are found near the bottles and breast pumps at Target.
2. Bassinet/Pack and Play- Matt borrowed one from a coworker and it has been wonderful. Nothing fancy, just something that is small and can roll from room to room. Some people prefer moses baskets, too. It is just nice to have a place where baby can fall asleep close to you.
3. Newborn diapers- Recommend having 100 before you come home from the hospital.
4. Breast pads- Need 2 boxes for the first two weeks. Take about 12 pads to the hospital in your bag.
5. Cloth diapers-Need about 15. They work as burp cloths and clean up cloths while you are breastfeeding.
6. Lanolin nipple ointment-One package. Apply twice a day to prevent badness.
7. Breast pump-Any will do.
8. Ziplock milk freezer bags-start saving milk for those rainy days.
9. Medela microware cleaning bags- sterilize your pacifiers, bottles, etc. in the microwave. Easy.
10. Maxipads- Need industrial strength and lots. Take some to hospital in your bag.
11. Long sleeve snap front t-shirts for baby- Until the umbilical cord falls off, this is the easiest clothing for baby.
12. Swaddling blankets- The hospital will provide you with some good ones. I also really like the swaddling blanket called, "The miracle blanket." You can get it at amazon. It keeps even the most active babies still.
13. Abdominal binder- They sell these at CVS or the hospital may give one to you after the birth of your child. They are like a big ace bandage that helps keep your stomach in for those first few weeks post-partum.
