In the months since Nora was born, I’ve received a crazy number of emails asking what items I would suggest for soon-to-be-moms looking to stay clutter-free and stick to a tight budget. While I definitely don’t have ALL the answers; after almost 5 months, I can at least share the items we regularly used for the newborn/infant stage.
All week long, I’ve been sharing my “must-have” items for infants.
Monday = Nursery Items
Tuesday = Baby Gear
Wednesday = Food, Medicine, Toiletries
Thursday = Clothing
Friday = Items for the New Mom
Saturday = Recap, a few more tips, and a FREE Printable!
I’m sure there are tons of different opinions on what you do and don’t need; so I just want to stress that these are the things that worked for me. They might not work for everyone!
My Must-Have Items for the New Mom
Don’t forget yourself! There are a few things I’m SO glad I had on hand before I brought Nora home from the hospital.
SOFT ROBE and SLIPPERS
Not only do I love my soft robe and slippers for mid-night feedings, but I swear Nora recognizes my robe and just loves feeling it with her tiny fingers. Also, as you can imagine, there are many days (especially in the beginning) when I was perfectly content to stay in my PJ’s all day long, so it was nice to have a really comfy robe and slippers to lounge around in.
NURSING TANK
I have 5 of these and I wear them every day and every night — literally. They are super comfortable and look great with almost anything I’m wearing. I’ve tried several different brands, and can definitely say that the GlamourMom tanks are by far my favorite (a bit more expensive, but worth it for me).
SPILL-PROOF WATER BOTTLE
I’m thirsty all the time (which I’m told is normal for nursing moms) so I’m always carting my water bottle with me everywhere… and I’m usually carting Nora around in the other arm, so spill-proof is essential for me! I also love that I only need one hand for the water bottle I use.
NURSING PADS
If you nurse, you’ll want these! I got great deals on the disposable kind (several boxes for free) but you can also purchase reusable ones and then put them in the wash.
SMART PHONE or E-READER
I use my phone to check emails, browse the web and even read books while I’m up with Nora in the middle of the night. While I suppose it isn’t a necessity… it is one thing I would highly recommend to new moms. And during the day, it’s convenient that I can do almost anything I need to with one-hand!
CAMERA and/or VIDEO CAMERA
I just use my phone to take pictures and videos — but if you don’t have a phone you can use, you’ll definitely want a digital camera (no, you don’t need a fancy DSLR) to capture all those moments that really DO go by so quickly.
EXTEA HELP!
As you’ve probably realized by reading many of my previous posts… motherhood is REALLY hard, so if possible, try to have some sort of support system in place for after you bring your baby home. Have a schedule for friends, relatives, neighbors, coworkers, etc. who want to help by bringing a meal, watching your baby for a couple hours, or even staying the night.
Seriously, LET THEM HELP!! {And this is coming from a totally type-A, Do-It-Yourself mom!}
I know that I always err on the side of minimalism, but honestly, with a new baby, you don’t want tons of extra stuff in your life. I found that as a new mom, I really didn’t need much… and besides a few pain relievers, I can’t think of anything else to add to this list!
Beth says
I found I lived in a couple pairs of soft, loose, drawstring pants. I had one pair in black that was acceptable enough to run errands in and another gray pair that I mostly just wore around the house. With so much to do, the tiredness, and the soreness, it was nice to have something super comfy to put on!
Nora@ The Dollar Holllering Homemaker says
I loved this series. When you are having a baby it can be information overload and everyone is trying to sell you something. It’s nice to see what works and what doesn’t from real moms.
Kathy says
I second your recommendation for a smartphone, ereader or iPod. My simple iPod saved my soul during those nights nursing my twins and when my son was colicky. I truly think I would gone mad without it. I could play games, check email, read, etc. and could do it all in the dark. It was a life saver!