10 Must-Have Items You’ll Need When Taking Your Newborn Baby Home

Having a brand newborn baby is one of the most exciting, meaningful times of your life.  After working with thousands of mommies and babies over the last 10 years, I know that there are several items that moms say they wished they’d had when they took their babies home.  These 1o simple ideas will be life-savers for your first-time moms.  These are baby-tested and mom-approved!  Enjoy!

{This post contains affiliate links to some of my favorite items for new moms and babies.  To read my Disclosure Policy click here!  I hope you find something here today that inspires you!}

1. Hydrogel Breast Pads

I’ll say to you what I say to my patients all the time, “breastfeeding may be the most natural way to feed your baby, but it doesn’t always come naturally”.  Breastfeeding can be hard work.  It can be time-consuming for an already exhausted mom and dad when baby wants to feed every 2-3 hours around the clock.  Not to mention breastfeeding takes place in a very sensitive area of the body.

If you are like most new moms, your breasts will go through what we affectionately call a “toughening up period”.  Sometimes it can take as long as 2 weeks for your breasts to get used to your little bundle of joy nursing there.

I recommend purchasing some Hydrogel Breast Pads to place over sensitive nipples in between feedings to increase your comfort and healing.  The Hydrogel Breast Pads by Medela come highly recommended from several new mommies I know, as well as all the lactation consultants I have the privilege of working with.

Trust me, you’re going to be thankful you have these.  P.S. Try placing them the in the fridge prior to applying for an extra soothing experience.

{To read more about feeding your baby click here!}

2. Newborn Kimono Tees

We dress babies after delivery in Kimono Tees for several reasons.  First of all, they are less likely to rub and irritate the drying umbilical cord.  Kimono Tees also make it extremely easy to change those first few poopy diapers without dirtying an entire outfit.  A set of Kimono Tees makes this top 10 list because they are also easy to get on your baby without having to go over their sensitive heads.

Kimono Tees are perfect for dressing a newborn, and you can find them in various patterns and colors.

{For more info about Your Newborn From Head to Ten Little Toes click here!}

 

3. Breast Pump & Micro-Steam Bags

A Breast Pump can come in handy once you get home with your newborn for many reasons.  When your milk comes in and you’re so engorged your baby is having a harder time latching, you can pre-pump to soften your breasts making it easier for your newborn to nurse.

Breast Pumps also allow you pump and store milk so that you have supply for when you go back to work or just simply want a night out by yourself.  And, if you get home with your newborn and are still struggling with a difficult latch, your Breast Pump can give you that necessary stimulation you need to bring your milk in for your growing baby.

Did you know that most insurance companies cover the cost of a Breast Pump now?  All you need is a script from your OBGYN or Midwife.  Amazing, huh?!

And, as a bonus, make sure you purchase some Micro-Steam Bags to make sanitizing your pump parts simple and quick.

4. Rock ‘n Play

I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I’ve heard from parents that the Rock ‘n Play was a total game changer in their early days with their newborn baby.  Because, let’s just be honest here, no matter how squishy and cute your baby is, you’re going to need a break from holding him and her.  And, you will be your baby’s favorite person in the world, you are going to need a pretty nifty little spot to snuggle your baby for you while you escape to the bathroom for a second.

The Rock ‘n Play is the perfect little cocoon for your precious little one, but just remember that it’s not safe to let your baby sleep in the Rock ‘n Play without supervision.  Your baby is safest on his back in his own crib with no blankets or stuffed animals.

 

5. Newborn Muslin Swaddle Blankets &/or Muslin Swaddle Sack

It’s no secret around these parts that I am a huge fan of Muslin Swaddle Blankets.  They are generous in size, breathable, and so so soft.  Swaddling your newborn is helpful when soothing him.  To read my tips and tricks for soothing a fussy baby click here.

The goal, though, is to eventually get your baby used to laying down to nap in a sleep sack to prevent suffocation and SIDS.  The Muslin Swaddle Sack is the perfect comfortable solution for your newborn.  These are definitely a must have for any new parent.

6. Newborn or Size 1 Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

In the hospital we use Pampers Swaddlers Diapers because they have a convenient yellow stripe that turns blue when the diaper is soiled.  These diapers also have a scoop in the front so that the diaper doesn’t rub against the delicate umbilical cord.  These diapers and soft and comfortable for your baby.

7. Owelet Heart Monitor

I love, love, LOVE the Owelet Heart Monitor.  This magical comfy sock for baby tracks his heart rate and blood oxygenation and communicates that information back to your smart phone so that you can rest easy knowing that your baby is safe and sound.  The fact that this technology that we rely on in the hospital is now available for parents at home is just astounding to me.

Here’s one mom’s story…

 

8. Newborn Baby Mittens

Most newborn babies are born needing a manicure.  It’s quite amazing, actually.  Their thin delicate little nails can feel more like daggers, and they can easily scratch their faces while trying to suck on their hands.  Baby nails should not be clipped or cut, only filed.  So, it’s a great idea to have some Baby Mittens on hand to protect your baby…and yourself!  Ouch!

Just a quick caution, newborn baby mittens may be a choking hazard to your little one.  If you are concerned about your baby putting his hand in his mouth and possibly being able to swallow these mittens, then purchase the Kimono Tees instead since they have built in mittens over the sleeves that are less risky.  Babies choking on these mittens is very rare, but I just wanted to caution you.

9. Newborn Pacifier

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard parents say that they absolutely, under no circumstance, want their baby to have a pacifier.  Then 3 a.m. rolls around and their precious bundle of joy is screaming like a banshee, and suddenly pacifiers are a godsend.

Often times, babies suck for comfort.  And, if you’re a breastfeeding mom, your baby may begin to use you as a pacifier making you very sore.  Some lactation consultants recommend not using a pacifier for at least 2 weeks until breastfeeding is well established.  But, sometimes foryouru sanity, you (and your nipples!!) need a break.  Don’t feel bad.  Pacifiers are not the devil.

 

10. Plenty of Pads & Comfy Underwear For Mom

There are some things no one ever tells you about having a baby.  Things like, you’ll have the “mother of all periods” afterwards and will need plenty of pads and comfortable underwear at home.  This is not the time of your life to pull out your lacy thongs from Victoria Secret.  There’s nothing glorious or pretty about this time of your life other that the fact that your body grew a beautiful new life.  So be hard on yourself.  Wear those stretchy yoga pants and topknot, and snuggle your baby all day if you want to.

Another suggestion from this nurse to you, is to invest in some Dermoplast Spray.  If you deliver your baby vaginally, you might really appreciate this numbing miracle spray that you can use to bring some extra comfort to your perineum while it’s healing.

I would also suggest that you continue taking a Stool Softener as well, until you’ve had your first bowel movement. A Stool Softener will ease that “process” and hopefully decrease your worry over the dreaded “first poop”!

The postpartum time of your life can be a beautiful, wonderful time.  And, with these 10 simple items, you and baby will be ready to enjoy your first few days at home together.

What items did you find most helpful in the first days at home with your new baby?  For more ideas on what to do before your little one arrives, click here!  See you again soon!