Babies these days seem to require more and more stuff! As a new mom I wanted to keep things as minimal as possible. So, I held off on blindly buying everything on all of the lists running all over the internet telling me everything I MUST have before baby. I followed the advice of some friends who suggested I wait on some of it to see what I really wanted/needed. I’m glad I did, it gave me a chance to really know what I wanted and got me out of the house for some shopping occasionally. (Ok, let’s be honest it was mostly online shopping!) So now I am compiling my own new mom list of a few things I didn’t necessarily think I needed, but I’m glad I have now! And the best one is totally free!
- Nursing bras
I’m starting with this because pre baby I didn’t realize just how incredibly important these were. If you are nursing, you will wear these every single day. So get excited. A friend suggested these from Amazon and they are perfect. Super comfortable, totally affordable, and they’ve held up to tons of washes already. Also, if you will be pumping AT ALL make sure you have at least 1 pumping bra. This is the one I have and I love it. It’s not especially cheap, but it’s great quality and adjustable as things grow and shrink. Now that I’m back at work I use it every single day. I would also suggest throwing the pumping bra in your hospital bag just in case. I had to start pumping right away since Kennedy was in the NICU and this would have been so helpful from the very beginning.
- Bellefit Postpartum Corset
I’ve mentioned this before, and yes it’s still helpful. I specifically use the original single closure corset. So so helpful in my postpartum journey. I’ve written about it before, but figured it was worth another mention. I hope to get into a more regular gym routine soon and will continue to use it! Use code: KIM20 to get $20 off your own.
- Milk Snob cover
I can’t get enough of these covers. Every time I’m out and about with it I have multiple people ask me where I got it (seriously, people have taken photos of the tag!). They are lightweight and so stinking versatile. So far I have used it mostly as a nursing cover and infant carseat cover to keep germy hands and breath off of her. It also works as a shopping cart cover, and even a swaddle in a bind. Plus. they have the cutest prints!
- Aquaphor
I’ve heard this referred to as the windex for new moms… My Big Fat Greek Wedding anyone? Kennedy has had a ton of skin problems and Aquaphor has been our savior! I put it on with most diaper changes and she has yet to have an ounce of a diaper rash. And this is a baby with a LOT of GI issues. Like we are talking 10+ bad diapers a day at one point. I also use this on her eczema prone areas to help keep them clear. We are on tub #2 already!
- Alexa Echo Dot
I did NOT want to like this. I can be a little resistant to new technology, but let me tell you this was the best $40 investment. Its our sound machine, lullaby player, dance song player, weather giver, and it’s all hands free. I didn’t realize how crucial hands free would turn out to be. I’m semi ashamed to say I’ve started trying to get Alexa to turn off the TV and start the oven. So far this still hasn’t worked for me, but I’m sure that’s coming very soon.
- Baby Headphones
Thanks to Nate’s job we are in loud environments pretty often. He’s a pilot and we spend a decent amount of time flying with him and going to airports and airshows. All activities that I want ear protection for myself so I definitely want some for baby too! These baby headphones are the ones we’ve used since she was 1 week old and they work great. I’ve tried them myself and they cut out a ton of noise. She doesn’t seem too bothered by them either which is great.
- Baby Wrap
I wasn’t sure if I’d love the whole baby wearing thing, but a lot of days it’s the only way I get anything done. I have a few brands, but they’re all essentially the same. It’s this crazy long piece of fabric you look at and think “there’s no way I’ll ever figure out how to get this on me much less safely place my baby in it” but with a few youtube videos and some patience you can figure it out. For me, it was worth the trial and error period. My favorites are the Solly and the Moby. There are plenty of others out there though, too. I just pick my favorite print!
- The Sun
*Warning: possible offensive photo to follow*
Seriously, this is magic for me as a new mom. Kennedy still has some tummy troubles and tends to have at least one blowout a day… usually in the car seat, yay! I was washing her clothes over and over and treating with all sorts of stain removers. Finally my mom suggested I put them out in the sun to dry. Oh. My. Gosh, Amazing! The Florida sun is pretty strong so here, it takes 15 minutes and the stain is GONE. Example with time stamps below (scroll quickly if you don’t want to see it).
These are just a few of the surprising things I’ve found super handy over the last few months. What are some other baby things you’re glad to have as a new mom that maybe surprised you? I’d love to hear!
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