Coming home from the hospital may be one of the more stressful transitions. Mom's body is recovering and the realization all the help from the hospital is gone and you're on your own.
4. Few tips on the smaller things
But no worries. There really are a few things to survive the 1st month. Now these are the well invested items that, if you plan on having more littles can keep well and use over and over again.
1. The crib vs pack and play
This has been a hot debate and it's really a personal choice. It's really one of space and convenience. A crib is large and clunky and will only last you so long. Now, there are convertible cribs that grow with the child. Also an option, especially for a first child. A pack and play is the newer choice of parents because it is smaller, collapsible and can travel if needed. They have many amenities like a crib without taking up the space (or changing table, bassinet, levels as baby grows.)
2. Baby Wrap
This is a must, whether you order one that you learn how to wrap or a simpler version you can put on and have the same function up front. This makes life so much easier and keeps your baby close to you. Those first few months they look for sooth from your smell and your voice. This is also a great option to reposition for breast feeding and gives privacy for moms. I've reposition for a feed and just keep walking around shopping. Then when the feed is done, put them back upright which is great for reflux babies.
This is great for skin to skin time for bonding for moms and dads. As well, when you want to get things done, they can rest in here until the swaying and movement can let them sleep. This is also great to build neck strength instead of solely doing tummy time. Of course the 1st month you make sure their head is supported, but these wraps grow with the child. I've used them up to 3 and some up to 4 and 5 years old.
3. Stroller and carseat
This is definitely a personal choice. I would say only one thing about carseat, don't bother with a newborn one. Go straight for the convertible carseat. That will carry you til at least 2 years old. And there are inserts to hold the newborn in place and they are just as safe. Unless you have a preemie, then you may consider a newborn seat for smaller babies. If you want a carseat that can snap in, those usually come in a set. If you are willing to take your little one out and put them in the stroller, then you can search for them by themselves. If you choose the baby wear, you won't even need a stroller until I dare say 1 year. If you have other kids then your looking for doubles or triples, and sometimes carseat options. If you like to travel, there are more compact versions. But all things to consider. 😉
3. Tummy time play mats
Tummy time is a must for neck and push up arm strength training. It never has to be long in throw first 2 weeks but at least to try. There are just cute mats. Then there are the ones I like that grow with them and entertain them til they're almost 1 years old. They can use the mats until they crawl and walk away.
One thing to remember, it's been proven infants love complex patterns and enjoy them. Your baby's brain is a sponge and it starts day 1.
Muslin wraps: Light and thin perfect for swaddling. Thin and easy to wash and dry. Great for the summer and stretchy to get a right wrap. Make you baby feel just like they did in the womb. It's a quick blanket, quick clean surface out somewhere, or quick wrap for a naked baby in need.
Onesies: Buy in bulk, there will be blowouts and at some point or a tired 2am change, it's okay to just toss it. Or white ones you can always throw a set to bleach and clean. Just MAKE SURE to get the ones with the wider folds at the shoulders. For those wiggly babies sometimes it's easier to put it on from their feet and the wide shoulder makes it easier. And those blow outs don't have to get all over their face and hair!
Sleep and plays: Get the ones with the zipper that ends at the feet. This is a game changer for the middle of the night diaper changes. Even better in the winter to keep their core body warm.
Bathtub: When you decide this is the right time. Buy one that grows with the baby. There are ones that are sturdy and have the water release at the bottom and a cork that is easy to work with. A newborn sling that you can remove for the bigger newborn and then a side for the baby or toddler that can sit. It even fits nicely in a square or rectangular sink to prevent the hassle of being on your hands and knees to bathe the baby. Save your back for all those preschool age pick ups and walks!
Creams/Lotions/Pastes: Aquaphor MUST HAVE, MUST GET. Some form of butt paste, pick your favorite or what you've heard, but it's a great barrier paste from poop and skin. Lotions and detergents should just start with colorless and no perfumes. Newborn skin is so sensitive and sometimes parents find out there is some sensitivity and then have to buy all new stuff. It's easier to just start with it.
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