"newborn essentials" that you would recommend

[Anonymous]

Not sure what the world will look like in 2 months, but our ped had us order a baby scale at our first appointment, which allowed us to do telehealth visits for the 1 week, 2 week, and 1 month appointments and then did 6 weeks in person (instead of 2 months). This was not something I ever planned to want/need at home but was so so grateful we got to avoid a lot of in person doctor’s visits during COVID with a teeny tiny baby.

My other advice is don’t stock up on any one brand of diaper. Buy a couple smaller packs of newborn or size 1 and try them out (you go through soooo many the first few weeks) to figure out which fit is best and if your baby has any sensitivities. Then stock up on your preferred brand. Same goes for wipes! Our baby got horrible diaper rash with anything other than water wipes (even all the free and clear/pure brands we tried) and I’m so glad we didn’t stock up on anything else ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

Have breast pumping machine- I started using mine already at the hospital. My child was a little premature and wouldn't drink directly from breast. I also had 1 can of formula at home just in case. Otherwise, I wouldn't buy too much of anything. You can always order things online later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not sure what the world will look like in 2 months, but our ped had us order a baby scale at our first appointment, which allowed us to do telehealth visits for the 1 week, 2 week, and 1 month appointments and then did 6 weeks in person (instead of 2 months). This was not something I ever planned to want/need at home but was so so grateful we got to avoid a lot of in person doctor’s visits during COVID with a teeny tiny baby.

My other advice is don’t stock up on any one brand of diaper. Buy a couple smaller packs of newborn or size 1 and try them out (you go through soooo many the first few weeks) to figure out which fit is best and if your baby has any sensitivities. Then stock up on your preferred brand. Same goes for wipes! Our baby got horrible diaper rash with anything other than water wipes (even all the free and clear/pure brands we tried) and I’m so glad we didn’t stock up on anything else ahead of time.

This is good advice about the wipes. My baby got diaper rash from Costco wipes. Sadly i had bought a 900 pack!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the bottles and formula just in case, and wanted to add when they are brand new I prefer the Ready to Feed formula (pre-mixed liquid) to the powder formula.

Also, if you end up formula feeding middle of the night bottles, the RTF is easier (quicker) than formula. This is of course completely a convenience thing and the opposite of what you asked (essentials) but just me experience.

OP here, i am finding all of this very useful so please keep it coming. I would never in a million years think of the formula thing

I actually stuck a couple of those RTF bottles in my hospital bag. I think this can be good for peace of mind, especially if you're at a baby-friendly hospital. If my kid was hungry, and the colostrum or whatever wasn't enough, I was going to supplement and didn't want to go 12 rounds with nurses over it. I never end up needing it (nursing went very smoothly for me) but it wasn't pricey and it was nice to have just in case.

Just 10 years ago, the hospital was the one stuffing my bag with RTF bottles. How times have changed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if you are planning on breastfeeding, have a little formula and bottles. I exclusively breastfeed after the first week, but I needed to supplement in the first week when my milk was coming in. I know multiple moms who were in thr same boat. Having it ready to go saves you a stressed out trip to the store.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, look at your insurance. My pump was free from my insurance.

Diaper rash cream. Babies seem to respond to different cleans differently do get a couple different kids.

Make sure to have 0-3 clothes and not just Ns. Some kids grow out of thr Ns in a hot second.

Amazon is both your best friend and worst enemy in your first couple weeks. You end up buying stuff at 2 AM.

Get your breast pump if its covered but don't open it until you actually need it. Soooooo many pumps have been used only once or twice.

[Anonymous]

The kimono style onesies/footie pjs are definitely easier than the kind that snaps between the legs initially. I'd say having a lot of clothes is good, because my kid spit up and had to be changed like a billion times a day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the bottles and formula just in case, and wanted to add when they are brand new I prefer the Ready to Feed formula (pre-mixed liquid) to the powder formula.

Also, if you end up formula feeding middle of the night bottles, the RTF is easier (quicker) than formula. This is of course completely a convenience thing and the opposite of what you asked (essentials) but just me experience.

The directions for formula are written in microscopic font and you might be reading it with a wailing baby in the background

I had a c section and was alone in the hospital and "snuck" some formula overnight simply because I was tired. The nurses in baby friendly hospitals can act like you're giving baby poison if you ask for formula

BTW I exclusively BF now

[Anonymous]

baby tylenol
pedialyte
5ml syringe w/o needle
first aid stuff
baby bathtub (you won't necessarily want to bend in half to bathe baby in regular tub)

your post partum things
heavy menstrual pads
raisin bran and prune juice
underwear that goes up to your arm pits (in case you have a c section)
snacks and freezer meals

Try to pack light enough that one person can carry everything, you might be separated from your support person(s). I got wheeled out on a wheelchair by a porter. It would have been a problem if I had 6 different bags. Find out if your hospital wants you to bring your baby carseat in or leave it in the car.

[Anonymous]

A pack of depends was great for me post partum. Soak and freeze a few maxi pads and then you can just tuck them in the depends and toss the whole bloody slushy later.
Also, trash bags in your bathroom if you usually have a small can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basics: Diapers, wipes, onesies, some burp cloths, safe place to sleep (like a bassinet), and a car seat to get you home from the hospital.

You will survive with just that, and can order other things that you find helpful. I would also say, have a rectal thermometer and some vaseline - anytime you call the doctor, they want a rectal temp, and that's not something you want to be running out to get at 3am.

I would say beyond that - I found velcro swaddles to be invaluable. Swaddling with a blanket is for suckers. The SwaddleMe is what we used.

+1 for Lucie's List. It really helped me wade through the baby industrial complex. one useful fact I learned is that an infant car seat does not require a base (like in a taxi or grandma's car) and it is for convenience

[Anonymous]

If you plan to breastfeed, bring a hands-free pumping bra in your hopsital bag in case you have to pump for any number of reasons - me and 2 friends who had babies this year all had to pump for various reasons while in the hospital and I so wish I had packed a hands-free bra.

[Anonymous]

For the footed pajamas, get the ones with zippers, not buttons. You'll save your sanity when your half asleep and only need to zip - not figure out all those buttons with a squirmy baby. Also, your baby will only wear these for two months. No need to get lots of cute newborn outfits!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the bottles and formula just in case, and wanted to add when they are brand new I prefer the Ready to Feed formula (pre-mixed liquid) to the powder formula.

Also, if you end up formula feeding middle of the night bottles, the RTF is easier (quicker) than formula. This is of course completely a convenience thing and the opposite of what you asked (essentials) but just me experience.

OP here, i am finding all of this very useful so please keep it coming. I would never in a million years think of the formula thing

Make sure you buy the RTF in the little 2oz bottles. Not the big bottles. Those are only good for about 24 hours after opening. Only get the big bottles of RTF if their exclusively on formula, and eating 20+ oz a day.

[Anonymous]

Zip-up sleepers
Baby Bjorn bouncer (so worth it - easy to transport!)
Diapers / cream / Water Wipes
Mustela foaming shampoo
Aden + Anais swaddles
Booties + hat set
RTF formula + bottles (just to have on hand even if you are BFing)
Dockatot
Some sort of newborn wrap / carrier. Baby Bjorn makes a carrier with clips now that is meant for little babies.

We also loved the Bum Brush (basically a silicone spatula to put on bum cream without getting it all over your hands). Lots of people find it ridiculous but we loved it!

[Anonymous]

Good list given by all. I am going to add a few of mine.

I would add 2 caps and some socks. A baby hair brush and comb.
Also nosefrieda and temporal thermometer
Desitin original. (stinks but saves)

Baby bath tub, no tears shampoo, bath towel with hood.

Furniture - I never bought a changing table. I had a waterproof rubber sheet and that was used on the floor or my bed to change. I did buy a crib and a glider for sitting while breastfeeding.

DH bought me frozen sanitary pads, donut pillow and sitz bath from a medical supply store.

For breastfeeding - lanonin for nipples and "mybrestfriend" pillow

You will need appropriate weather accessories if it is cold- caps, coveralls, blankets etc.