In the first few weeks of having a newborn life is kind of a haze. Nothing can really prepare you for it. The combined pressures of being responsible for this tiny human and feeling more tired than you have ever felt in your life. There were a few things that really helped us in that stage last time and this time around I’ve also found some new products which I think will be a massive support to us at this time.
Swaddles/swaddle muslins – Swaddling is all over the news at the moment and a lot of people are avoiding it due to worries about hip problems. I believe if you swaddle safely there isn’t any risk. Always allow for some movement in hip and leg. There are lots of useful videos and tips to show you how to swaddle correctly. We have been sent some gorgeous Cozio swaddling muslins from Faye and Lou and we are really looking forwards to using them. Swaddling saved our sanity last time.
Sensor Monitor – I know Sensor Monitors aren’t for everyone but I think it really helped ease our worries with our first and I know we will want to use one again. We are currently using a Tommee Tippee monitor which is amazing!
Snuggles/comforter etc – I didn’t really appreciate how useful a comforter/snuggly toy was until Izzy was about 6 months old. For Izzy we use a pink square of fleece with a small teddy attached from one of the main supermarkets. We have about 5 and I rotate them so they don’t get too grubby, they were only £4 each and they are still a sleep cue for her. As soon as she sees it at naptime or night time she rubs it on her face and starts to wind down. We haven’t chosen one for the new baby yet but I intend to use it earlier and definitely always buy back ups!
Nursing pillow – My Theraline pillow has been amazing throughout my pregnancy and I’m looking forward to using it for nursing too. I’m planning to keep this upstairs for nighttime feeds and then use a 3 in 1 nursing cushion from Little Bird Told Me as I can also use that for tummy time with the baby.
Musical toy/white noise – we used a Fisher Price soothe and glow seahorse with Izzy, placing it just under her Moses basket and pressing it when she tried during the night.. We also played white noise videos from YouTube when she was particularly unsettled via our phones. We did contemplate a white noise machine but we found they were a little expensive. Hoping to use Izzys seahorse again this time and just giving it a good wash now.
Muslins – You will need a lot of muslins. They really are so handy for mopping up milky spit up or draping over your shoulder for winding. We have some leftover from last time, some really pretty ones from Faye and Lou which we will use for days out and some cheap new ones from Aldi.
Vests – Lots of vests. On days when there are poo explosions..and there will be many you will need so many vests.
Sleepsuits – As above.
Sleeping bags – We didn’t use these at newborn as we swaddled but as soon as Izzy outgrew the swaddle we used Gro Bags or similar ones from our favourite shops.
Cellular blankets– handy for when you need an extra layer on your baby but they can still breathe through the blanket due to the little holes.
Buggy – we are going to be using a Jane Trider, we are lucky enough to act as ambassadors for Jane. A really fantastic brand with safe, luxurious products.
Car seat – we have our old car seat from when we had Izzy but I am getting more and more swayed by the idea of getting this one:
Jane Matrix Light 2
Along with a recent Mother and Baby nomination, the system has won a raft of prestigious industry awards. Its patented Isofix system, which is a world first, means that it is extremely safe and parents can lock and unlock it with just one movement. It’s the healthiest way for a baby to travel – especially on long journeys.
Sling– I am determined to make more use of slings/carriers this time around. We have a gorgeous sling from Mamaway UK which I am really excited to use. Click here to take a look.
Transitional clothes – I remember a few weeks after Izzy was born eagerly trying to slip into a pair of my pre baby jeans – it didn’t happen and just made me rather depressed. This time around I’m being more realistic. It takes a while for the baby weight to go and I’m not going to worry over it. I have some gorgeous maternity/nursing clothes which I’m going to wear – in particular these jeans from Mamaway UK:
Sorry for the terrible pic but they are supremely comfortable and you can buy them here
They are designed to be worn both during pregnancy and post natal so don’t feel bad about still being in maternity jeans.
I also have a beautiful pair of bamboo lounge pyjamas from Seraphine along with a gorgeous grey nursing shawl which I have already worn about a million times.
I’ve also got some bits which I’m saving specifically for when baby arrives including this lovely 3 piece set from Envie de Fraises which looks so comfy but also more stylish than a simple leggings and tee.
A snack box/table:
If you plan to breastfeed (or even if you don’t ;-)) you will need snack supplies.. You can get really hungry and thirsty while breast feeding so be prepared before you start. A funky water bottle would be a good purchase and some appealing snacks. I used to find that I found the first morning feeds the hardest as my body was crying out for calories so starting keeping snacks upstairs too.
Breastpads/sanitary towels:
You will need a LOT more of these than you think. When your milk first comes in your cup literally runneth over and breastpads were for me an essential. Likewise for maternity or sanitary pads – you bleed a lot after a vaginal delivery for a few weeks.
iPad/kindle/books – sometimes you can be feeding for a long time and I found having something to read or watch was a nice way for some me time. Maybe buy some new books or get a Netflix subscription for your tablet?
Luxury bath products and lavender oil:
A few drops of lavender oil in your bath can help with healing of stitches and is also relaxing and smells good. Bath time was MY time when I had a newborn and I think you really need it. Treat yourself to some lovely bath bits. I had a gorgeous Laura Ashley gift set from my family at my (kinda) baby shower meal so I look forward to indulging.
Those are my newborn essentials.. What are yours?
I’m sure I’m forgetting some things so expect this to be updated again soon!
* please note some products in this list were received for free in exchange for a review.
