There are thousands of things that you will get as a new mom, or one adding to your family, that we thought we would save you the time and tell you what you really need. We asked momstown Kitchener-Waterloo members what they would put on their list at our recent Walmart Baby Basics event, and here is what they said.
You don't need to walk in to a baby store to know that there are a crazy amount of baby items available to new moms, and it can be overwhelming to know what is really necessary. We could have a good laugh and talk about all of the items that you really don’t need, or things that are just a waste of money (no you don’t 10 pairs of shoes, they are cute but they are useless on a baby), but instead we asked momstown members at a recent Walmart Baby Basics event, what are the real essentials to being a new mom.
Here are your essentials for a new mom:
- A good breastfeeding pillow – You will be spending a lot of time getting both you and baby comfortable for feedings, and breastfeeding can be enough of a challenge that having a good pillow is important! Yes there are free ones online, but a large pillow can be key to helping you both get in the right position for feeding.
- Soothers – If your baby is the type that wants to suck all the time, you will need these to survive! Not all babies want them, and they can be tricky to take away, but in those first few months they can be lifesavers (or sleep-makers).
- Baby advil – Teething bites. It is not fun for anyone and it can be hard for a mommy to see their little one struggling with it. Baby advil offers a bit of relief when necessary and can help you both get through the next few days until those teeth pop through.
- Coconut Oil – There are literally 100’s of uses for this awesome natural oil, and many helpful lists can be found online . Beyond baking you can use this for diaper cream (which is safe for cloth diapers), getting rid of cradle cap, in a wipe solution, healing nipples and can even increase milk when taken every day.
- Invest in a really good chair – You could just get a yard sale special, but make sure that whatever you get is comfortable. You will likely be in this chair every day, at least 4-5 times a day, sometimes for hours, and you will likely fall asleep in it, so make sure you love it!
And for added help, if you are about to add #2 to your family and think you have everything. Here are the items that moms of more than one said helped them manage their growing family:
- A good wrap – We could talk forever about the wraps that are available; in fact there is a momstown event that is designed to try out all the options, but really just a good wrap is key. Evolution hasn’t kicked in, and we still don’t have extra arms, so a good wrap allows you to have hands available to do things with baby #1 while baby #2 wants cuddles.
- A good double pump – When you had one baby, you had tons of time to pump when you needed. With two babies, make sure that you get the double so that you are twice as productive. Not only does it save time to double pump, but it also means that you can have some bottles ready to share the feeding work with your partner or a babysitter.
No matter what, all of the moms agreed that a momstown membership is the real baby essential. Having the opportunity to meet other moms, share in your struggles and joys of being a new mom, or a new mom again and forming friendships that go well beyond the classes and events is really what helps to get us all through.
