Here Comes Baby

First off, I'm not making any announcements here!  My older sister is expecting her first baby in September, which will make me an aunt for the first time on my side of the family!!

I have been giving her my two cents on all things baby over the last few months.  

(Don't worry, she has asked for my expertise input!)

I ended up compiling a list on anything and everything to help prepare for baby.  

Here is my finished product...

(*I have never done bottles or cloth diapers, so I'm out of the loop on any recommendations.)

For Bebe:

• Diapers, wipes, rubbing alcohol, q-tips, baby powder or diaper rash ointment, ointment and gauze if it’s a boy (hospital may give.)

•  Purrell / Germ-x by changing station.  I think it's easier to wash hands with that than attempt to wash hands while holding baby 10x a day.  (But that’s just my opinion.) 

• Baby wash and/or shampoo.  Baby lotion.

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• Thinner baby towels and washcloths.

• Comb or brush.  

• Nail clippers.  Will want to bring these to the hospital because baby will have long paper-thin nails.  Sometimes it’s almost easier to peal/bite them off because they are so thin. 

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• Bulb syringe and thermometer.  (Hospital may provide.)

• Baby monitor.

• Crib sheets and crib mattress cover.  (I have 2 of each.  If the sheet is soiled, the pad most likely will be, too.) 

• Crib bumper pad. 

• Lighter swaddling blankets.

• Larger thin blanket for nursing under when out and about.  (Too thick and they might get too sweaty underneath.  Larger so you can feel you are covered enough, like when you are at church.) 

• Burp cloths.

• Changing pad and cover.  (I only have 1 cover and it’s fine.  I usually leave a burb cloth on it at first when poop is especially messy.)

• Binks.  My advice would be to force it, but I won’t judge.  :)

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• Diaper bag or any large bag with smaller pockets.  I end up using this as my purse the first 6 months or so.  So you might want to find something that has a smaller zipper pocket where you can keep your wallet, keys, phone.  You don’t want to be lugging around the car seat and 2 other bags. 

• Changing pad or thicker/larger burp cloth or blanket to keep in diaper bag to change diapers on when you are not at home.

• Wipes travel case for diaper bag.  

• Stroller and infant car seat.  Will be in infant seat until around 9 months or when they are too long to fit in it while facing backwards...or get too heavy to carry in it.  The car seats come with a base which makes them very easy to get in and out of the car. 

• High chair of some kind.

• Bouncer seat.  Or just something for them to sit it while you are eating, showering, cooking,  doing laundry, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, or anything else that is easier to do with 2 hands.  I would keep a bouncer seat upstairs and then you aren’t lugging your car seat up and downstairs when baby needs a spot to sit.    

• Baby swing.  A swing usually = SLEEP for baby.  Perfect for all above activities.  

• Onesies, sleepers, clothing in general.  Keep in mind that they will poop through things.  And that some gifts might be that of clothing.

• Long-sleeve undershirts.  The kind that covers their hands are esp good so they won’t scratch their face when they sleep.  I like to let them sleep in just an undershirt at night with a swaddling blanket the first 6 weeks.  Then there are no pants, snaps, etc. to deal with during nighttime diaper changes.  

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• Bibs.  Use for spit-up and teething.  Baby saliva can stain clothes.  If you don’t use them for these purposes, your baby will eventually eat spaghetti and chocolate ice cream...

• Baby spoons, plates/bowls, sippy cups - I only buy the Gerber sippy cups.  They are the only ones that don't leak and the stoppers are interchangeable from the two-handle starter cups to their toddler cups.

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For Mommy:

• Feminine products - 1 months supply, no tampons.

• Nursing bras - at least 3.  Two for daily use.  One for sleeping in for about the first 6 months.  I would get something softer (not underwire) for nighttime.  Wait to buy these until the end of your pregnancy to get the right size.

• Nursing pads.  Only use disposable - you will leak through the washable ones.  Thicker at first for daytime and nighttime.  Thinner ones for daily use after the first few weeks. 

• Handy/easy snacks: cheese sticks, almonds, granola bars, fresh fruit and veggies, etc.

• Freezer meals.  Between friends and family and what I freeze, we are usually set for the first month.  

If you are still reading this...is there anything I forgot or something you recommend?  Please share!

Linking here.