Expectant parents often fill their gift registries with cute, fun and interesting baby items that the baby store tells them they will definitely need. But the reality is that a lot of things really aren’t necessary. Take baby powder for instance. I’ve had three babies and have never used baby powder with any of them. I’ve used it to freshen up smelly shoes, but that’s the extent of the usage in our house.
While I used to stick to gift registries for baby showers, now I sometimes go rogue and think of things that I didn’t know existed before my first baby was born, but that soon became staples or real assets in early motherhood. I like to consider these things new mom survival gear.
The following is a list of items that will come in handy for a new mom. While they might not be on her gift registry, she will certainly be grateful to have them on hand when the need arises. The items come courtesy of our sponsor Lanser’s The Natural Way (click the photos for more info). While the products are theirs, the opinions are all mine.
Good Swaddle Blankets
Babies cry. A lot. One of our soothing solutions was swaddling. With our first child, we were given a lot of those rectangular receiving blankets, but they don’t make good swaddlers. These muslin blankets though are a generous square size for easy swaddling. They are soft and light weight, and are versatile enough to be used as a stroller or nursing cover, changing pad, burp cloth, tummy time blanket and more. Even though we are past the swaddling stage, my girls now like to use these as blankets for their babies. Now through the end of May, Lanser’s is offering 10% off Aden + Anais blankets to Unexpectant readers. Use coupon code Unexpectant10 in store or online.
Easy-Change Clothes
While there are a lot of super-cute outfits out there, let’s face it; what matters more than cuteness is functionality. Newborns require frequent diaper changes, which is why we always appreciated easy-access clothing. We loved time-saving gowns for quick access.
Snot Sucker
I recently gave this at as a shower gift, along with a note that said, “It might seem strange, but when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it.” The truth is that parenting comes with some not-so-glamorous, but ever-so-important tasks, such as cleaning out the baby’s nose so she can breathe better. The snot sucker is a very unique tool to help with just that task. It’s affective and cleaner than using the bulbous aspirators that come home from the hospital.
Bella B
What new mom couldn’t use a bit of pampering? Bella B has a great line of all-natural beauty products that are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and babies. Their line includes Tummy Honey Stretch Mark Fader, Tummy to Toes Lotion, Wrinkle Cream, Silk & Honey Lotion, Mama Soak sitz bath, Decongesting Chest Rub, Bee Relieved Perineal Spray, Baby Wipes, Honey Bum Diaper Rash Butter, and much more.
Nipple Cream
Many women experience sore nipples when they begin nursing. This creamy salve goes on easily and also serves as an excellent diaper rash ointment. Use it on sore, cracked nursing nipples to quickly soften and heal skin, and relieve pain. All ingredients are safe for ingestion, so it does not need to be washed off prior to nursing. Does not contain lanolin, which contains several pesticides; or Vitamin E, which should not be ingested by infants.
Breast Pads
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful thing. It can also be stressful and, well, messy for a new mom who is trying to get the hang of things. As a mom’s breast milk comes in and before her body regulates milk production to the necessary amount, leaking can happen, making breast pads necessary to catch any unwanted lactation.
Baby Carrier
Baby wearing can be a beautiful thing that benefits the mother and the baby. Newborns love to be held closely. Baby carriers keep the baby snug and the mother hands free. I used six different carriers with my three kids, but my favorite was the Ergo. I still use the Ergo with my two-year-old. It is easy to get on and off, and is comfortable for mother and baby. For more information on baby wearing, be sure to read my Baby Wearing Tips.
Co-sleeper
Honestly, a crib isn’t necessary for the first few months. I remember with our first child, my husband and I wondered why we had even purchased one since we learned pretty quickly that co-sleeping was essential. Of course he finally did transition into the crib, but in the newborn stage, a bassinet or co-sleeper is much handier. The Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper allows you and your baby to sleep safely and comfortably next to each other from the moment he comes home. The bassinet attaches to your bed under the mattress and securely straps in place, keeping baby close by for middle-of-the-night feedings and comforting. The co-sleeper can be especially helpful for moms recovering from a c-section, so she doesn’t have to get out of bed as often. Plus, research suggests that the practice of co-sleeping may reduce the incidence of S.I.D.S.
What would you add to the list of new mom survival gear? What was one of your favorite products? Or, if you are expecting, what is on your wish list?
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{Please note: this post is sponsored by Lanser’s The Natural Way. Photo credit: ©iStockphoto.com/NiDerLander.}
