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During the newborn phase, you are going to find yourself reaching for the same few items over and over. Newborn life is a simple rinse and repeat. You are basically on a 3-hour rotation.
Diaper change, feeding, and sleep.
Let’s jump right into the 20 products you are going to find yourself constantly reaching for.
Diaper Changes
1. Diapers
2. Wipes
That is literally all I need for diaper changes!
Feedings
3. Burp Cloths
5. Milk Storage Bags
6. Nursing Pillow
You go through a lot of burp cloths with a newborn! I use receiving blankets. If you fold them in half they make for a nice burp cloth. Receiving blankets can be multipurpose. I use them all over the house for everything.
Because I am a breastfeeding momma there is no need for bottles on this list. I occasionally use the Haakaa to collect extra milk for the freezer stash. Obviously, this milk needs to go into storage bags.
If you need to create a large freezer stash a breast pump would be needed. For my life and situation, I do not need a large freezer stash.
I do not use an actual nursing pillow. Instead, I use a regular sleeping pillow off our guest bed. This works perfectly fine for me. It is free. It is one less baby item to purchase, store, and later sell. This is me making an effort to be minimal when possible.
For more on this check out my article, Become a Minimal Mom and See the Ways Your Daily Life Improves.
With time your baby gets bigger and stronger and you don’t need to rely on support from the pillow.
Pro-Tip:
Pay attention to your back and posture. With my first baby, I felt like my back was a complete mess from my breastfeeding form. With baby #2 I am making an effort to be more careful with my body. Practice good posture!
Sleep
7. Sound Machine
8. Crib
9. Crib Sheets
10. Mattress Protector
11. Pacifier
12. Swaddle
We are currently using an old cell phone as our sound machine. With our toddler, we upgraded to the Hatch night light. We may do the same later for this baby.
Sound machines are very helpful with multiple children having bedrooms near each other. They help drown out the sounds and allow the other child to stay asleep while one is fussing.
We are going straight for the crib. Therefore we are frequently using the crib, crib sheet, and mattress protector.
Pro-Tip: Consider purchasing a silk or satin crib sheet. You will likely have a few. Get one that is satin or silk. They are great for keeping your baby cool during warm seasons. They help reduce hair loss and the creation of a bald spots. They also can help reduce hair tangling when your baby’s hair starts growing out.
We are a pacifier family. I do not believe in nipple confusion when it comes to breastfeeding and the pacifier. Your baby knows one gives them milk and one does not.
In reality, what you need to watch out for is introducing the bottle too early and making your baby refuse to breastfeed because they start to favor the easy flow of the bottle.
We choose to swaddle for naps and bedtime. This is a very personal choice. I believe you the swaddle brings them comfort for sleeping. I do make sure my baby has the freedom to move at other times. That is why I limit time spent in seats. You can check out my article on that here, Instead of Buying a Baby Swing Give Your Baby the Freedom to Move.
Lounging at Home
13. Onesies
14. Sleepers
15. Floor blanket
16. Nail File
These are general items you may find yourself frequently using while at home. When it comes to clothing we go for onesies and sleepers. The other item you could enjoy would be gowns. I don’t personally go for them.
Clothing will depend on the season and temperature of your home.
I always have a few floor blankets out. I’ll keep one available in the main living room and our master bedroom. I’ll also use one as a changing station in the baby’s room. Floor blankets are great for keeping your home safe from spit-ups and blowouts. It is a quick place to lay baby down anytime.
Some of our blankets were purchased and others are handmade quilts from family members.
The final item we have constantly been using is a nail file. This could include a file, buffer, or even clippers. Baby nails can be tricky. Our little one seems to constantly have a long or sharp nail. We don’t love her scratching herself or us so we do our best to keep up on the nails.
You could also use mittens or sleepers with hand covers. We try to give her the freedom to have her hands free.
Time Spent on the Go
17. Pacifier Clip
18. Car Seat
19. Moby Wrap
20. Stroller
Some people are comfortable going out with their newborns, while others are happier staying safe at home. We find the newborn phase an easy time to go out with your baby. They sometimes sleep through the whole trip.
These are the go-to items for leaving the house.
If we need to rock or comfort our baby away from home we like the pacifier to be on a clip. For one we don’t want to lose it. Secondly, we don’t want it falling on public floors. A pacifier clip is a must.
If you are leaving the house obviously you need a car seat. Enough said there.
The Moby Wrap is great for at home and on the go. I like to take it with me for naps in random locations. It can also be a great way to avoid passing your baby around. Think large family parties or going to church. Wrap your baby up and people won’t be able to hold them.
On a couple of outings and walks, we have already put the stroller to use.
Our stroller of choice is the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger. Click here to check out my full review Is the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System Worth the Investment?
21. Diaper Bag
I just realized I completely forgot to mention the diaper bag. We haven’t actually used it much yet, but it is a staple for leaving your home.
Bonus Items for Mom
Nursing Cover
Nipple Balm
Breast Pads for Leakage
These are items that I find myself frequently grabbing during the newborn stage for myself. I use a nursing cover in public—just my personal preference.
During the early stages of breastfeeding nipple balm and pads to catch leakage are a must for me. I am constantly applying the balm and changing out the pads.
I have reusable pads and disposable. I try to be environmental with the reusable pads, but keep some disposable on hand. Sometimes for a trip, I’ll use the disposable that way I can trash them as I go and don’t have to bring damp pads home. I also don’t have to worry about losing the reusable ones.
Sometimes I run out of reusable ones so I use disposable ones until I get the laundry done.
Conclusion
These are the main items that are used during the newborn phase. You are going to want to keep these items handy and available at all times.
Good luck surviving the newborn phase. You can do it momma!
Check out My Articles
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