Knowing what to have before the baby arrives can be overwhelming. Remember that, while items can make life easier, babies primarily need their moms during the first phase of life. So, take joy in the process of creating your space for your new addition, and there is no need to rush.
Sleep
You will need a safe sleep space, or a safe place to set the baby down. What that looks like differs depending on the family and their preferences, space and needs. Please note that I do not recommend anything where the baby needs to be strapped in, I do not recommend jumpers, walkers, or rockers. If you’d like to hear more, I am happy to discuss this in our postpartum coaching session.
Bedside sleeper - these are wonderful when the baby is sharing a room with you.
Crib - the baby will eventually transition here. I recommend the sleepi and I like using it for naps from the start so the baby is used to it.
Mattresses - I recommend naturepedic. Their waterproof designs are wonderful for spit up or an accident.
Babies will need gear for their sleep
Sleep Sack the woolino wool sleep sack is my favorite as the wool is extremely soft and gentle on the skin. Blankets are not safe for the baby to sleep with, but sleep sacks allow the baby to be warm and snuggled without the risk of loose blankets.
Swaddle up is a lovely option that helps the baby sleep in a natural position. This is not perfect for every child, but I like the freedom it gives to the baby’s arms.
Swaddle this is a great swaddle that makes it easy to swaddle with a straightforward approach, it allows for proper hip movement.
Some families sleep with their baby in their room, others use a separate nursery. If baby is sleeping in another room, I recommend
A classic monitor with a large following is infant optics, they recently came out with the infant optic pro and I highly recommend it. However, some prefer a wifi option and the infant optics pro is not wifi, I recommend this wifi option.
A fan and possibly a space heater. There are many options and it will depend on your climate. I’ve used this dyson in my daughter’s room for years, I like that it keeps the temperature in the room while purifying and circulating air.
Having a nightlight is wonderful, I recommend the hatch so it can continue to grow with them.
Humidifier I like this one because it is no mist and easy to clean. Many humidifiers can become more of a problem than a help in time due to mold growth.
Dohm white noise machine the classic has the best volume and frequency, using a real fan for real noise instead of a virtual noise machine is the healthiest approach.
These handy stickers block unwanted lights from electronics. You might find yourself using them in your own room.
Around the house
A small bassinet is lovely for around the house or if baby wants to nap while you’re hanging out.
Little Giraffe Baby Blanket little giraffe blanket (they’re super cheap on ebay, buy one for every chair lol)
Clothing
This is my shortest section. As you’re figuring out your rhythm, I find it is best to limit your options.
Onesie this is all the clothing you need for the first 9 months. The kimono style is easier during the time that baby cannot lift their head. However, you may also want special outfits for photos or a special event, but for the day to day, this is all you need. I recommend 6 (two packs of three) for each age.
I recommend either Ugg Booties, for cold weather or Burt's Bees booties in warmer weather.
A quality sun hat if baby is going outside.
Coolibar products are the gold standard for the whole family’s sun needs.
Eat
Gear
Mushie burp cloths - muslin is wonderful for absorption and softness for baby
Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair is my favorite. It grows with your baby and fosters independence. You can use the infant insert if you want your baby with you at the table from the start.
Extra pillows and a comfortable chair. What this looks like is up to you, but regardless of how you are feeding your baby, a variety of pillows is key for the parents comfort. Longterm, your back, shoulders and neck will thank you. You spend a lot of time feeding the infant the first year, best to protect your baby. This one from Lansinoh can be useful, especially for first time Moms.
I recommend having Dr. Brown's and Lansinoh bottles on hand regardless of how you plan to feed your baby. If you prefer glass, both Dr. Brown's and Lansinoh bottles offer glass options. Lansinoh are large and come with faster flow nipples. You will need to purchase the slow flow nipples and replace the ones that come with the bottle. If you’re unsure about glass vs plastic, we can discuss the pros and cons together in our postpartum coaching session. My family used both!
Breast
A pump is very important. I loved the Elvie Stride because it is hands free. Medela has a hands free version as well, but I have no personal experience with it.
A nipple shield is a wonderful tool to have on hand.
Some women love the silver nipple covers to soothe sore nipples.
Bottle
Remember, if you have an immunocompromised baby or premie, it is vital to breastfeed or use liquid premade formula until the baby is ready. Powder formulas are not sterile.
Infant Kettle -infant water is a thing, and you cannot use bottled or regular tap (you can use tap but you have to boil it and it’s a pain, just buy infant water)
I recommend having some formula on hand regardless of how you plan to feed your child. If you decide you want it at the last minute, it is better to have researched your preference and have some on hand. My choice is Bobbie, but it is up to each family to determine the right fit for them and their baby.
If you’re considering it, please avoid the Baby Brezza. I know these are popular and make it look easier, but they are not. There have been major issues with the dispensed amount of formula and if that isn’t enough, cleaning is a nightmare.
Hygiene
In the beginning, most babies only need diapers and wet wipes in addition to some little stuff. I do not use soap or anything besides moisturizer on the skin for the first year.
Windy by FridaBaby - yes you need them!
Hairbrush for infant and you may want to include a hairbrush for when they get older, this one is amazing and since it is a splurge, it may be worth it to include it in your registry
This kit has the four items above: nail clippers, snotsucker, windy, infant hairbrush, plus a very useful nail file
Multi Purpose Ointment - this is an aquaphor substitute.
I did not buy a dedicated bath towel, I washed a few hand towels in the hypoallergenic baby detergent and used those.
Laundry detergent - enzymatic and non-enzymatic can both be useful tools
Diapers are a personal preference. Some families like cloth and others prefer disposable. If you’re not sure what is right for your family, we can discuss it during our postpartum coaching session.
Cloth - I highly recommend Esembly, if you go this way, their laundry detergent is wonderful. I do not recommend their bags, Charlie Banana bags are much easier to use. Lastly, if you want a diaper pail, I recommend this one which fits the reusable bags. Regardless of the brands you use, these agitators are a useful tool when laundering.
Disposable - I highly recommend Coterie or HealthyBaby however, in the beginning you’ll be changing often, so anything hypoallergenic and free of dyes is wonderful, I used DYPER.
If you plan to do Elimination Communication, you’ll need some extra gear. If you’re interested in EC or don’t know what I’m talking about, send me a contact and we can talk!
I recommend the baby potty seat preinstalled or a small potty designed for EC if you prefer. (I encourage the toilet from the start because cleanup is easier and as long as you’re holding correctly, it can be more comfortable while at home).
A potty for while you’re on the go! I love this one because (depending on where you are) it is either no cleanup, or you can put a plastic grocery bag down for easy cleanup.
A stool for you to sit by the toilet.
Play
Waterproof pad, I recommend at least 4, maybe 8 depending on laundry frequency. Use these for diaper free time where you lay the baby on the mat before they can crawl. I also use them on the floor for diaper changes.
The Lovevery play mat is more expensive, but it works with the subscription and holds cards. I thought it was worth it for the increased flexibility.
A lovevery subscription is a wonderful tool.
You don’t need much more. I enjoyed giving the kids safe items from around the house to play with (ie. a whisk from the kitchen, a wash cloth from the bathroom). The greatest thing for kids to play with is what you have and the lovevery subscription is a great way to learn about your child’s development and learn about their interests.
On The Go
Sleeping
Travel Crib - this one is wonderful. It is easy to use, simple to assemble and disassemble, lightweight and well engineered. Best of all, there is the opening on the side, which allows for montessori at home as the baby grows and easy access for parents when the baby is still young.
Stroller
The stroller you get depends on your families needs. I do recommend a bassinet over a carseat for normal use. Bassinets allow for more natural movement from baby. I’ve owned an embarrassing number of strollers and these are my top picks.
Yoyo stroller. Big city, small city, doesn’t matter - it’s just the easiest stroller and built SO well. Great for zooming around. Fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane, the dream for zipping through the airport. Easy to get in the car. Cons: doesn’t offroad well.
Jogging stroller. Stable, smooth ride, easy to get around. Wonderful offroad and great for adventures! Cons: infants require a carseat, a little more difficult to get in the car.
Splurge bugaboo stroller. This is the best stroller for that middle ground, but it is splurgy. You cannot jog with it, but it is great for offroading as well as zipping around the city. Easy to get in the car, handles like a dream.
The Veer has quickly gained a cult following for outdoor families. I tried one in Manhattan and found it difficult to maneuver, but as far as wagons go, this is the most popular.
Veer has also come out with a stroller. I have no personal experience with it, but the reivews are phenominal and for the right family, this stroller might be the right fit. This is the stroller itself, and this is the stroller with the bassinet.
Carseat
The carseat you select may depend on the stroller that works best for your family.
Clek Liing clicks into the Thule and the Yoyo, it does require the yoyo adaptors and the Thule adaptors
Bugaboo turtle works flawlessly with the bugaboo stroller
Clek Foonf - this is the carseat I use. I have used it from her first day. I prefer to promote natural movement and since this one cannot click out, I am never tempted to leave her napping. However, there are additional practical reasons to do click in, for example, if you’re frequently moving the baby between automobiles.
The Pico is an amazing travel carseat. I used it in Manhattan to hop into an uber while keeping my toddler safe after she outgrew her Nuna Pipa lite. I use it when we have a need to quickly install a carseat. I’ve also heard these are great for small vehicles.
Extras
A diaper clutch and a bottle holder, I never preferred a diaper bag, but I did acquire a few pieces to make my tote more practical.
If breast feeding, a wrap can be very useful.
For the times you need to carry your baby, you may want to consider a sling or a baby carrier.
For the adventurous families, a tent is very useful to protect baby from the sun and elements. I tried many on the beach and this was the easiest to set up and take down, it also held up well on the beach, it is also multi use.
Hospital
I highly recommend packing for the hospital in the stroller. It provides an easy way to transport items and then when you’re ready to go home, you have the stroller set up there.
Frida mom labor and delivery gown, I loved being able to guarantee I would be in something soft and comfortable for labor.
Snacks, if you want extra credit, bring snacks for you and the nurses!
Quality broth for labor - at some point, they may ask you to stop eating solids, the broth is nourishing as you’re going through labor
Toothbrush
Extra blanket
Cell phone and charger
Some women enjoy bringing a book to read, others enjoy having a notebook to write down their thoughts and experience, some people want to bring a camera or video camera. Think about your personal preferences for if you are stuck waiting, or if you’re in pain and how you want to remember / document the experience.
Going home clothes for you and baby.
Don’t forget your car seat!
Tips for before baby
Take everything from the hospital. Take all the underwear and pads and witch hazel and everything. Use that first when you get home until it’s all gone. It helps with the transition and you’re paying for it anyways.
Don’t forget to wash all the babies things in baby detergent, their skin barrier is very weak at the beginning of life. I recommend this enzymatic detergent and this non-enzymatic, both can be a useful tool depending on what you are washing.
Consider installing a toto bidet. This is a luxe add to your bathroom and wonderful for postpartum as well as life in general. It is a splurge!
Consider a subscription to One Medical. Their virtual visits and access to healthcare providers are very valuable during pregnancy and postpartum. I can gift a few discounts per year, feel free to reach out to me if you’ve read this far and want a discount.
Eat dates and take primrose oil in the 3rd trimester. It might not help, but it might...