What you could not do without!! First time MOM - Page 5

Cupiecake · 01-08-2008, 11:37 AM

Hi Manders!

For crib sheets, I had a total of 3, and I think I could easily get by with just 2. For the bassinet I had 2 sheets (I used the Pack and Play bassinet).

I couldnt live without the Fisher Price bouncy seat...its great for when you need to get something done and you can bring it into whatever room you are in.

For blankets I used the Koala thermal ones from BRU...they were the right size and were great for swaddling. Also Halo sleep sacks are wonderful...we still use them with DD.

For breastfeeding, use Lansinoh often, and I loved the Lansinoh brand breast pads, they worked great and werent bulky at all. Get a pack of cloth diapers to use a burp cloths.

For reading, the single most helpful book for me when I first had DD was The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. Great book, it helped us so much.

Ok, so I have "the list" which I will post in another post. Its just meant to be a list of all the possible things you might need...you wont need everything on the list for sure, but it will help you think of what you want to get.

Cupiecake · 01-08-2008, 11:41 AM

OK here is the big list...dont let it scare you lol, you wont need everything on here, its just to help you decide what you need. I compiled this list when I was pg with DD from books and things I read online.

Baby Essentials List

Clothing
• Absorbent bibs (4-8) / 4 lg bibs
• Booties or socks (3-7 pairs)
• Caps (2)
• Outdoor hats (2-3)
• Blanket sleepers (1-2, if cold climate)
• Gowns or stretchies (5-7) / 12 newborn nighties OS
• stretchies/footed or non footed pjs (6)
• Hats (2-4)
• Homecoming outfit
• One-piece rompers/playsuits or tops and pants (5-7)
• Bodysuits with snaps at the legs white (6-8)
• colored bodysuits (4-7)
• stretchy pants (2-3)
• Snap side t shirts (4-5)
• Receiving blankets (4-6) / 12 xlg receiving blankets
• Blankets (3)
• Sweaters (2-3)
• Snowsuit or bunting and warm hat (for winter babies)
• T-shirts or kimonos (3-4)
• Mittens (to prevent scratching)

Changing Table Accessories/ Bathing
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Changing pad
• Changing pad covers (3)
• Cotton swabs/ balls
• Baby powder and rash ointment/ diaper cream
• Baby nail scissors
• Thermometer
• Nasal aspirator
• Brush or comb
• Diaper pail and refills
• Changing table
• Toy to entertain baby
• Fold-up changing pad
• Baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• hooded towels (3-5)
• washcloths (6)
• mild detergent for washing clothes
• plastic bathtub
• floating tub toys

Nursery Needs
• Baby monitor
• Bassinet or cradle
• Changing table
• Changing-table pad
• Crib
• Crib-bedding set
• crib sheets (3-4)
• top sheets (2+)
• crib blankets (2+)
• Crib toy
• Diaper pail
• diapers (150+ for first two weeks)
• Dresser
• Glider and ottoman
• Lamps and shades
• Mattress
• Mattress pad (waterproof) and cover
• Mobile or sleep soother
• Night-light
• Nursery organizers
• Nursing stool
• Picture frames
• Playmat
• Rug
• Sheet saver
• Toy chest
• Window valance

Diaper Bag
For the First 6 Months
• Diapers
• Diaper bag
• Wipes (lots)
• Rash ointment
• Changing pad
• A change of clothes
• Washcloth
• Burp cloth
• Lightweight blanket
• Plastic baggies
• Toy and/or book
• Bottle and formula (if not breastfeeding)
• Bibs (two)
• Hat (sun or winter, depending on season)
• A disposable camera (in a sealed plastic baggy)
• $20 (just in case)
• receiving blanket

What to Pack for Hospital
For You
• Two to three nightgowns, front closing if you plan to breastfeed
• Slippers with nonslip soles
• Robe
• Two bras (nursing)
• Breast pads
• Breast pump (helps prevent engorgement when milk comes in)
• Toiletries (comb, brush, toothbrush and paste, deodorant, shampoo, cosmetics, sanitary pads)
• Socks
• Headband or ponytail holders
• Glasses and/or contact lens supplies
• Panties or disposable panties (at least three to four pairs)
• Loose-fitting clothing for your trip home
• Lip balm and hard candies to keep your mouth moist
• Photo or object to use as focal point during labor
• Tennis ball or back massager
• Diversions ( books, magazines, journal, announcements)
• A watch with second hand to time contractions
• Snacks such as Jello, popsicles
• Water bottles with straws
For Dad or Coach
• Oil for massage
• Music (tapes or CDs and player)
• Pencil and pad
• Labor handbook
• Phone numbers and long distance calling card
• Camera and/or camcorder
• Hospital preregistration, health insurance info, birth plan (if you have one)
• Check or credit card if prepayment for anesthesia is required
• Coins for phones and vending machines
• Snack food and drinks
• Change of clothes
• Toiletries (razor, toothbrush and paste, comb)
For Baby
• Clothes for the trip home: undershirt, sleeper, and outerwear
• Receiving blankets
• Rear-facing car seat
• Socks or booties
• Hat
• Heavy blanket or car seat cover for cold weather
• Diapers and wipes (most hospitals provide them, for a fee)
• Pacifier (optional)

Traveling with Baby
• Diapers
• Diaper bag
• If cloth, vinyl covers (two to three)
• Wipes (lots)
• Diaper rash cream
• Bibs (two)
• Plastic baggies
• Car seat
• Carrier, sling, or backpack
• Powder, shampoo/wash, and lotion (sample/travel size)
• Pacifier (plus one extra), if needed
• Tissues
• First-aid kit
• Clothes (two outfits per day)
• Hat (sun or winter, depending on season)
• Socks or booties
• Food, formula, water, and/or juice
• Spoons, cups, and bowl
• Medication (if needed)
• Night-light
• Playard
• Lightweight, collapsible stroller
• Blankets (two to three)
• An extra $20 (just in case)
• Toy and/or book (or two)
• car sun shield

Breastfeeding
Essentials
• Nursing Lanolin (one tube)
• Breast pads (three to six pairs)
• Breast shells (one pair)
• Nursing bras (two)
• Breast pump
• Breast milk storage bags (one box, 50 count)
• Breast milk bottles/containers- 4 oz
• nipple brush
• Burp towels and pads/ cloth diapers (8 to 12)
• nursing pjs and clothing
• nursing pillow (boppy)
• water bottle or sport bottle
• dishwasher rack for bottles/nipples
Nice-to-Haves
• Breastfeeding books (one or two)
• Nursing pillow
• Glider
• Ottoman or stool
Bottle Feeding Needs
• Bibs and burp cloths
• Bottle brush and drying rack
• Bottle warmer and sterilizer
• Diaper bag with pockets for bottles
• Formula (or expressed breast milk)
• Glider or comfortable chair
• Nursing pillow (for support)
• Small and large bottles

Post-partum Needs
• 2 large boxes of sanitary napkins- super
• hemorrhoid wipes
• hemorrhoid cushion

Other Gear
• travel system w/ xtra carseat base
• pack n play w/ extra sheets
• front carrier/sling (newborn)
• swing (battery) w/ 2 speeds & adjustable seat
• bouncer seat
• play mat
• first year journal
• photo album (1 sm 1 lg)

mnstrpc · 01-08-2008, 11:59 AM

OK, here's a weird question. If I don't have hemorrhoids during pregnancy, am I going to get them from going through labor? I'll be 28 weeks this Friday and thus far have had no problems with constipation or hemorrhoids at all (just lucky I guess I am very regular and eat a good bit of fiber). I still have a ways to go so I could still have that problem in my last trimester, but if I don't get hemorrhoids from being pregnant, will I get them from labor?

~*Heart*~ · 01-08-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PBLayzod
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Schwanns is expensive, but cheaper than take-out. Also, it's easy enough my husband can cook.
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My husband sucks at cooking. I don't trust him in the kitchen with more than 3 ingredients. Not only that, but he's going to be taking care of 2 toddlers while I recover.

rainyangl · 01-08-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnstrpc
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OK, here's a weird question. If I don't have hemorrhoids during pregnancy, am I going to get them from going through labor? I'll be 28 weeks this Friday and thus far have had no problems with constipation or hemorrhoids at all (just lucky I guess I am very regular and eat a good bit of fiber). I still have a ways to go so I could still have that problem in my last trimester, but if I don't get hemorrhoids from being pregnant, will I get them from labor?

Not nessisarily. I didn't ever get them and I pushed for 3 hours during labor! I have heard of some women getting them from the constipation during post partum but you can take a stool softener to avoid that.

Kiko's_Bride · 01-08-2008, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnstrpc
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OK, here's a weird question. If I don't have hemorrhoids during pregnancy, am I going to get them from going through labor? I'll be 28 weeks this Friday and thus far have had no problems with constipation or hemorrhoids at all (just lucky I guess I am very regular and eat a good bit of fiber). I still have a ways to go so I could still have that problem in my last trimester, but if I don't get hemorrhoids from being pregnant, will I get them from labor?

I didn't get them either, although I did use Tucks pads to help recover from the stitches. So far in this pregnancy, I don't have any either.

PBLayzod · 01-08-2008, 01:31 PM

I didn't get them until the last month of pregnancy. I think it could have been avoided if I'd been taking a stool softener. Have the Tucks pads on hand just in case. Also, start taking a stool softener at the first sign of any issues during pregnancy.

BeckyS727 · 01-08-2008, 01:58 PM

Everything listed has been great!! My mom and sisters have tried to help me put together my registry, but it's great to hear from other moms, too!! Just wondering how many women have used a baby sling and would recommend one. I would like to use one, but I'm not sure how many women like using them. I'm guessing a lot since they're so popular.

StormsDreams · 01-08-2008, 02:09 PM

Becky~ I want a baby sling as well....

shorty1kanobi · 01-08-2008, 02:15 PM

I recommend buying a jar of tucks pads, just in case. If you don't need them you can return them unopened with the receipt, but those were nice for after the birth. I had stitches and a hemorrhoid.
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Also, for those who have a vaginal delivery MAKE SURE YOU BRING THE PERI BOTTLE HOME!!! It's a bottle they give you for rinsing after you go to the bathroom. Life saver, I'm telling you.

PBLayzod · 01-08-2008, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeckyS727
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Everything listed has been great!! My mom and sisters have tried to help me put together my registry, but it's great to hear from other moms, too!! Just wondering how many women have used a baby sling and would recommend one. I would like to use one, but I'm not sure how many women like using them. I'm guessing a lot since they're so popular.

I have a sling, but it was too big.
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I would love to have one that fits. If you think you might like one, you probably will.

advising_lady · 01-08-2008, 05:37 PM

I have a sling..but DS hates it because it srrounds himj and he can't look around and screams. The LC I go to sells slings that we tried on and DS liked, so we're going to buy one because housework one handed is tough.

RoaryKennedy · 01-08-2008, 05:42 PM

One of the things that we really needed were extra covers for the changing pad...I had this ridiculous idea that only boys would pee when getting a diaper changed, but nope! Dd did probably ever single time she had her diaper changed, and we had only one cover, so we ended up just using towels to cover the plastic mat.

Dd slept in a bassinet in our room for the first 5.5 months--one of our better purchases, since originally I thought dd would just start out in her crib (ha, ha!). Her bassinet came with a sheet for the little mattress, and I also bought a two-pack at Target, so we had three. And I wouldn't be concerned about getting a bassinet with all the bells and whistles--she was never impressed with the music or the vibrations. The only thing that came in handy was the light, so I could see her at night.

For nails, our hospital will not do baby nail clipping--they consider it surgery! And naturally, when I clipped them at home, I nicked her and she bled! I put a tiny band-aid on her little finger, since fingers tend to bleed so much!

For her cord, I did the alcohol swab, too, but after a month, her stub was still there! A friend visited and she suggested putting the alcohol on a cotton swab, and sure enough, her stub was gone within two days of starting that! So, she didn't take tub baths until she was a month old, and then we bathed her in the kitchen sink for quite some time. She does have a Fisher Price Aquarium tub, but by the time she went in it, she was able to sit on her own and hated it because she had to recline. So now she has an inflatable Pooh tub that goes in our bathtub, and she loves that.

We had a Baby Bjorn, not a sling, and she did go in there when she was very little. I could clean and vacuum, and she'd dose off. But if you have questions about slings, ask on the Mommy board--I know there are several moms in my baby group and others on the board who know a lot about the slings.

We bought a bunch of bottles to see what would work the best, and we liked Dr. Brown's the best, so when she was a week old, we went and bought tons of those. I don't have their bottle dryer--I just set them on one of those wire racks that are used for baking and let them drip-dry onto a paper towel.

I love the baby sleep sacks, too! When she first came home, I'd put one of those over her jammies, but as she got older and the temperatures got warmer, I'd just use one over a l/s onesie for quick diaper changes.

I brought two outfits to the hospital--one in a newborn size and one in a 0/3 month size, because the newborn said up to 8 pounds, and I thought she'd be more than that. She was just over 8 pounds when she was born, but she was able to fit into that newborn outfit for the trip home.

Take everything that they give you at the hospital. We were told that we could take whatever was in her little portable bassinet, so they sent us home with diapers (they had her in a size 1, but we used some newborn sized at home, since we had them), wipes, Vaseline, baby lotion and ready-to-serve formula. And we swiped her baby t-shirt that was stamped with the hospital info, just to save for memories! It wasn't a ton, but we could've gone a day or two with what they sent with us. I had several packs of newborn diapers, and she used all but one of those packs, so you can get by with just newborn sized diapers for several weeks.

BeckyS727 · 01-08-2008, 06:23 PM

Thanks, Jen!! I went ahead and posted over there.

PBLayzod · 01-08-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoaryKennedy
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One of the things that we really needed were extra covers for the changing pad...I had this ridiculous idea that only boys would pee when getting a diaper changed, but nope! Dd did probably ever single time she had her diaper changed, and we had only one cover, so we ended up just using towels to cover the plastic mat.

We don't use changing pad covers at all. I knew from my brief time in the infant room of a daycare that the mat works just fine by itself. It's also easier to clean. We do have a waterproof lap pad that I use on there sometimes.