Newborn Essientials

I have several close friends about to have their first baby so I put this list together for them. I hope you find it helpful. And all you experienced moms out there, please email me or post a comment with any additional essientials. Thanks and Happy New Years.

• Before the baby is born Watch The Happiest Baby On The Block DVD. Dr. Karp is a cheeseball--and a genius. In 20 minutes he teaches you how to soothe a screaming baby with the 5 S-es. It's really empowering. Yes, there's a book too, but why read the book when you can get all of the information in 20 minutes? Besides, your partner needs to watch this too.
• Car seat: Britax is the cadillac and highest in safety standards
• Stroller that the car seat can click into. Great for when you first start leaving the house with your infant
• Crib
  
• Infant to toddler rocker: great for when you need to put the baby down so you can go to the bathroom, take a shower, etc
• 2-3 Miracle Blankets The "miracle blanket" is the only swaddling blanket you'll need. It's the best and easiest one out there. If anyone tells you different, it's because they've never tried the miracle blanket. 
• Burp Cloths: cloth diapers make for the best burp clothes
• Kitchen sink: best bath tub
• Onesies
• T-shirts (see above in photo)
• Sleepers
  
• Hats (if they are born in the winter and you live up north)
  
• Socks
• Diapers I'm partial to huggies. Stock up when the prices are good. Check http://babycheapskate.blogspot.com/ for stockuportunities. If  you buy before you have the baby, don't buy a lot of newborn size diapers. You may not get the opportunity to use them, my baby was too big for them. If your baby starts leaking through their diapers it's time to go up a size. Don't trust the sizes on the box. 
• Wipes 
• Baby washcloths for washing the baby, and just wet them and they are better then baby wipes for cleaning their bums  
• Pacifers 
• Bassinet Check with friends for a loaner, you should only need this for a maxium of 12 weeks. 
• Ergo Baby Carrier or sling: you'll need to buy the infant insert. It's more expensive than the bjorn because it's more comfortable, much easier to get on and off, and supports a child's weigh up to 40 pounds! Babies loved to be held close to you, and it's great for you to have your hands free. I used it for walks and even around the house.
• Soft cuddly blankets My son loves these muslin blankets  
• Ear thermometers
• Nail clippers or nail file Babies nails grow super fast 
• Baby tylenol 
• Gripe water  
• Aquaphor or Eucerin moisturizer in a tub 
• California Baby Non-Burning & Calming Diaper Area Wash Much better than desitin and bodreaux's diaper cream which will sting your baby's bum when their diaper rash gets bad.
   

Sleep Time

• CD player for the baby's room
  Lullaby CD When I was pregnant I saw a bunch of CDs that had rock songs turned into lullabies like the Beatles, Coldplay, and Radiohead. I love those bands and bought them. Don't. They just sound weird and they are not soothing. Buy traditional lullaby CDs. 
• SUPER comfortable upholstered rocking chair with a high back (for a head rest), and ottoman that you can fall asleep in. You will have a good number of rough nights were your baby has you up during the night, multiple times and you will be in the rocking chair at 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am... Something like this
  
• Nightlight great for you when your walking in the middle of the night
   

Feeding Time

• Bottles even if your planning on breast feeding, it's good to have a few on hand. Make sure the bottles are BPA free: Only buy a few bottles to start. Some babies are picky about the shape of the nipples, and you don't want to find yourself stuck with 12 bottles that your baby refuses.
• Breast Pump If you plan on breast feeding, you can either buy or rent a pump the hospital. I used the Medela Pump In Style. If you use a medella pump I recommend using medella bottles 
• Breast pads 
• Nipple cream
• Munchkin Baby bottle
• Boppy (pro: when babies are starting to sit up by themselves, you can prop them on the floor by inside the bobby) or my breast friend (pro: has a snap so it stays in place and can be adjusted to be higher or lower on you)
  
• Nursing tank tops/camisole

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