There are checklists of products and gear that you “absolutely must have” when your baby arrives, but in reality, there isn’t much that you really need to have at home for your newborn. If you think you need a high chair or a convertible car seat as soon as you get home, think again — you have plenty of time for that. Here are some of my must-haves for bringing baby home and why you actually need them.
1. Infant car seat: Simply put, they won’t let you leave the hospital without this. Not only do you need the car seat, but you have to make sure that it is properly installed and that you — not the nurse — know how to install it. If you buy your seat from a speciality or independent retailer, many of them have certified CPSTs (child passenger safety technicians) on staff who will teach you how to install your seat correctly. The other option is to find a CPST or car seat check near you. Safe Kids is a great place to look for this information. (Shown: Cybex Aton Q Infant Car Seat, Magic Beans, $369.99.)
2. NoseFrida nasal aspirator: Babies get all kinds of goo and gunk in their nose, and to make them comfortable you have to get it out. The hospital will give you a little blue bulb aspirator; however, those can be hard to use and can get mold inside of them. Ask around — other moms will tell you the NoseFrida is one of the only nasal aspirators that works. Yes, you will use it to suck the boogers out, but no, they will not get in your mouth; a barrier keeps them out. (Walgreens, $15.)
3. Swaddle blankets: Swaddling your baby in the beginning can lead to better sleep patterns (read: more of it for you). But these blankets can be used for many other things as well: nursing covers, tummy time, shade in the car seat or stroller bassinet, to wipe up spills, as burp cloths, and more. The softer, the better. These from mom-made brand, Monica + Andy are some of my favorites. (Monica + Andy, starting at $44 for two.)
4. Mustela PhysiObebe No-Rinse Fluid: For the first week or two of your baby’s life, the pediatricians and nurses will advise you not to submerge your baby in water during baths (until her umbilical cord falls off). This is a great rinse to use to get them clean and smelling fresh during this time. Once the cord does fall off, continue to use this between baths. There will be spit ups every day — but you may not want to give your baby a bath each and every time. (Diapers.com, $14.79)
5. Diapers: Have a newborn-sized package or two, as well as a package in size 1, 2, and 3. Put them away for when it’s midnight and baby has a blowout because her diapers are too small. You’ll thank me later. (These diapers are from The Honest Company, starting at $13.95)
6. A place to set your baby down: Once all the guests go home (after the second week or so) you will need to have somewhere to set the baby when you have to use the restroom or even take a shower. The Boppy Lounger (shown here) is a great option for baby during the early stages. Other options are the Fisher Price Rock N’ Play (this is not meant to be used for extended sleep), BabyBjorn Balance and the 4moms MamaRoo. (All of these items can be found at Target.com, prices vary)
7. Thermometer: The easiest and most accurate way to take a baby’s temperature is rectally. It really is not as hard/bad as it sounds and baby will barely realize you are doing it. The Kinsa Smart Thermometer attaches to your smart phone and can be used rectally, orally, and under the arm. (Kinsahealth.com, $24.99)
8. A place for your baby to sleep: It’s completely up to you whether your baby starts in her crib or in your room, but having a plan in place is a good idea. If you do plan to co-sleep, please make sure you are doing it safely. (Shown here: the 4moms Breeze with bassinet attachment, Bed, Bath and Beyond, $299)
9. Lansinoh HPA Lanolin: If you’re nursing, your nipples may get sore and cracked. Have this on hand so you are not in a pinch and don’t have to send someone out to the store. It’s totally safe for baby and a lifesaver for you. (Target, $6.89)
10. Breast pump: Most insurance companies will approve a breast pump for you. Even if you don’t plan on nursing, your plans may change. Get your pump ahead of time and have it at home. If the insurance process overwhelms you, there is a great company, Ashland Health, who will help you navigate the process with your insurance company, free. Before you can even blink, your chosen pump will arrive at your doorstep. The pump shown here is the Evenflo Double Advanced Electric Breastpump. (Buy, Buy, Baby, $139.99)
11. Maxi pads: Most new moms don’t know this ahead of time, but you are going to bleed after the baby is born, for up to eight weeks. Have some pads around when you get home, and take what they give you at the hospital (also take the mesh underwear and the ice packs).
12. HELP: Even if you don’t have anyone close by to help you, seek out ways that you can get some help and make things easier for you. There are a host of apps that will deliver food or groceries or even prepared meals that you just have to warm up. There really is an app for everything these days…but that is a whole separate post. (Shown here, Instacart.com, grocery delivery service)
