When you’re expecting your first baby, there’s plenty of opinions floating around about what baby supplies you should be stocking up on. You’ve read the articles, downloaded lists online, and even gathered together hundreds of opinions from friends and relatives.
Fortunately for you, most of us found out the hard way that our baby shopping list was way off. So to give you a helping hand while you prepare for your bundle’s big arrival, we made a list of all the things that no one tells you that you should stock up on for those first few weeks postpartum.
Here’s some of our favorite tips, tricks and supplies to get you through.
So you know you’ll obviously need a stroller and car seat for toting your baby from point A to point B safely. What seasoned moms will tell you is to definitely splurge for the travel system instead. A travel system seamlessly clips your car seat into the stroller. It’s genius. No more waking up your peacefully sleeping baby to get them into their stroller. So in this case, investing in the system is absolutely worth it.
Even if you aren’t planning on breastfeeding, a good breastfeeding pillow has more uses than we can even count. Because of it’s shape, it can be used for everything from propping up your baby, sitting on after birth, supporting your neck in the car and more. Boppy is a crowd favorite and they come in all kinds of patterns to match whatever decor you’re going for. Veteran moms will tell you to keep an emergency one in the car when you travel.
If you are breastfeeding, you need a breast pump. What no one tells you, is to not cut corners and go the cheap route when it comes to buying yours. Not only will a fancy breast pump make the job easier and more effective, but your breasts are sensitive so why get one that’s not going to be comfortable? The biggest thing to consider when buying your breast pump is portability, ease of use and durability. They even make fancy portable ones now for moms on the run or women returning to the workplace.
Especially in the first few days home with your newborn, swaddling them snug in swaddle blankets can help comfort them and give you some night time peace of mind. Swaddling babies as they sleep can be a safer way to put them down for bed and the right blanket makes all the difference. Once they’re too chunky to swaddle, use your blankets as towels after bath time or even to snuggle them up while reading a book.
Not all bottles are equal and some can really cause some tummy troubles for your little bean. Gassy bellies can cause absolute chaos with a screaming baby. Choose the bottles that are specifically designed to limit the extra air your baby gulps down during feedings. Be sure to check recalls on bottle brands and replace your bottles periodically so they stay working properly and as clean as possible.