[soImarriedAnerd]

+++ added post birth!
$$$ post toddler
Food:
Breastfeeding (I refuse to have even one bottle or formula near me for the first month because I don't trust my hormones/sleep state and I may cheat).
-boobs-check! LOL
-+++++++++nursing pads (LANACare, these are the ones Jess raved about and OMG they are AMAZING--this is one of my top 5 things!)
$$$ with those pads you will need woolwash (with lanolin) and I recommend EweNeedIt store on hynea cart and if you use return01 you get 10% off! GREAT smelling and all you need is the wash. (monkey farts/butt naked are my favorite scents!)
-Nursing bra, 2months out and I haven't gotten one yet LOL. Sports bras work good and those tanktops with the support in them are what I live in now.
++++Earth Moma Angel Baby Nipple Butter-great for about 2 weeks then I only use it here and there but it was worth having a nipple cream at first (so get the small size NOT the normal one!)

Diapers:
-cloth Wipes
-some sposies for meconium time+++The meconium washed out easily and didn't stain so this isn't a must.
-cloth prefolds/flats (3-4 dozen)-+++Only used about 2 dozen (washed every other day)
-5 covers +++could get away with 3 but its nice for 5
-2 snappis
-solution (I have some pumpkin booty bits--plenty to make it a month then I will choose if its worth it or just plain water with my cloth wipes)+++++I just use water mainly
-changing pad+++get one that can be wiped down if dirty, not one that needs to be washed.
-wet bag +++needed 2 because one was in the wash and I had nowhere to put my dirty dipes LOL
+++++Earth Moma Angel Baby Butt balm..LOVE this stuff-great for a little pink bottom (we haven't had a rash yet), Troy loves it on his bug bites, and I love it on my blisters...its a great first aid jar ....on my top 5 list!

Newborn/mom care:
*baby bath wash +++I use California Baby shampoo and wash
-witch hazel +++Never bought or needed
-Q-tips (for umbilical cord care----we travel with these anyway)
-digi thermometer
-pads ++(one small pack of depends for night time! and get the LONG pads)
-ziplock bags (for ice packs to my groin and probably a million other things LOL)++Never used
*baby nail clipper ++never used (I bite/tear them off LOL)
-baby hair brush++never bought/don't need yet
-Ibuprofen for post birth pains++Never used, I did get Arnica tablets instead (whole foods)--AMAZING!!
*baby tylenol-+++never used it but still have it-BIG recall on it right now so google that.
-golden seal herb capsule--1-2 is all you need but putting this on the umbilical cord instead of other stuff like alcohol/etc worked wonderfully! (be aware it does leave a mark on the CD but it did sun out).
Baby clothes:
-baby blankets+++Only need a couple. However A&A these are amazing-they are super big and they work in a way baby doesn't over heat or get cold, GREAT for swaddling, nice and big so you don't get spit up on, I have even used as a hamock for london...they get softer and softer with each wash!.....its one of my top 5!!!!!!
-got onesies/sleepsacks/outfits (+++++see other Clothes thread!)
*how much do I need hats ++1-2 would be fine
*socks---++++he wore one pair for 20min because Troy's mom wanted them on. Otherwise he doesn't wear sock (could be the time of the year thing though)

Transportation:
-car seat
-got a wrap and a pouch++++LOVE my ergo and my wrap n' wear. Number ONE MUST have for a mom..I know buy my friends wraps for baby...I get so much more done, he is such a comfortable baby,.....these made my life so much easier...The wrap one I think you really need to start right away-i see some babies not like them when started later on.

odd things/questions:
-I need to get baby a life jacket since It most likely will be out on the lake and in a boat before its 1month old---WHERE do a get that small of a jacket? +++he used his LOL
-Also do they even make swim diapers for that size? +++didn't put him in the water but a CD cover would work.
-since I can't put sunscreen on a newborn--do I just get sun proof clothes? (I would LOVE any links for places to get those at!) ++used a sun hat and then draped the A&A blanket over him when out $$$$ California baby has great sunscreen
*baby sunglasses--++never got/never needed $$$ baby banz glasses are great but some kids don't like the strap, so get ones that its optional
-bug spray--++never got/never needed $$$ California baby has a good one or just pure vanilla works great!

Post birth thought of:
-Last top 5---Gripe Water solution (great for gas/upset stomachs/hiccups) Mommy's bliss is the brand I use.
-Hand held mirror---this is London's FAV item to play with..and he loved it when he was only a couple weeks old...nice cheap and multiple purposed. I had mirror closet doors at the hotel and I just layed him on the floor next to them and he loved it.
-White noise, I downloaded one off of Amazon and just play it on my computer-but $1 item! LOL
--never once used my nasal aspirator...but I would still tell people to get it, I just don't have a snotty kid LOL $$$ nosefrida is AMAZING-http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII
-if your at the hospital for birth get the peri bottles...but something I learned by having a homebirth.....just go get one of those 20 oz pop up top water bottles at the store. Because the little peri bottles don't hold enough water (IMO) and its a PITA to try to refill when needed.


$$$ never used a bib once, a wool piddle pad is awesome for leaking breasts and under baby while sleeping incase of leaks (or during potty training).

Get 2-3 more sports bras. I guarantee you that you will soak or leak into your nursing bra in the early weeks. Boobs get MESSY. Sports bras are just as good as expensive nursing bras, in my opinion.

I would get nipple creme- they come in small containers, so better not risk it.

Get a travel size baby wash, they make them.

Get both baby nail clippers (they are a lot more petite for small fingers) and baby nail files (ditto)

I would get the baby tylenol. It's also in a super small container.

I would have 3-4 blankets

They wear hats a lot when they are new newborns. I would get 2 or 3. What is the temp like there you are at? Hats help keep them insulated and cozy at that stage.

Yes, you do need socks and they do wear them. Same reason as the hats. They get lost VERY easily, so I would get 6-8 pair total. They are tiny and don't take up much space at all. Try to get more than one brand to see which ones stay on. The fuzzy ones don't stay on for crap! Regular cotton is usually best.

No clue about the life jacket/sunscreen/diapers What kind of boat are you going to be on? Would he be in a pool or natural body of water? If it was a natural body of water, I wouldn't have a diaper on at all.

Hmm....what else.....oh, what will the baby sleep in? I would have a swaddler blanket or outfit of some kind.

I would also have a small manual breast pump if you need some relief from engorgement. You CAN do it with your hands, but when I had to do it, I had to do it so long that my hand was cramping up. I had to stop before I got enough out for relief.

[sara~b]

I would say that the best bet for protecting baby from sun is clothing and a blanket draped over the carrier. You probably will not find a life jacket in newborn size but I wouldn't recommend exposing a baby under 3 months to water that could contain contaminates and biological material anyway. Really all you need is somewhere for baby to sleep, onesies, diapers, socks, hats, blankets and wipes. I used regular nail clippers on Gemma and they were fine. Anything else you could have Troy run out and get in a pinch and that would probably be baby Tylenol if baby gets sick. I can't believe it's time to start planning all this! You're so close!

[HopeWishWait]

For us, we went through receiving blankets like crazy...had to do laundry EVERY day just to have enough. Conner was a spit up-per so we used them A LOT. I wish I had had more than I did.

[soImarriedAnerd]

I don't think baby will be IN the water at all for at least the first month (more because of newborn issues with temp control then anything)...but will be more on the boat.

I have a family member sending me her unused $300 breastpump! She got it because her insurance paid for it but never used it.

I have a couple sleep sacks for baby also.

Keep the advice coming ladies! How about for YOU after baby--I feel like I'm missing something that I will need.

[~Jess~]

~Yes, you need baby nail clippers, adult ones will not work.
~Get the infant Tylenol now
~You WILL need the nipple cream--no question about it. I even needed it with my 3rd nursling.
~Don't fight the sunglasses battle, go for a hat with a brim
~3 swaddling blankets should be enough--skip regular receiving blankets, imo, they're worthless except as burp rags, get miracle blankets or woombies (is that how that's spelled?)
~I've never used a wipe solution--water only.
~umbilical cord care is no longer recommended so you don't need anything for that.
~if you're planning to circ a boy, you'll need vaseline
~baby hair brush has been unnecessary for me, but none of my kids have had much hair. Someone else may chime in on that, but I say skip it.
~no idea on the sunproof clothing or life jacket. You can use a snug-fitting cloth diaper cover as a swim diaper though. Swim diapers don't absorb urine, they simply contain poop.
~I consider a white-noise machine a must-have.

p.s. I can send you some woolie wash that I never used if you'd like it. I have 2 1-oz containers that I never even used, and 2 1-oz containers that I used a bit from. Lemme know if you want any of them.

[Mars]

Get the nipple cream, baby nail clippers and perhaps the file, socks and about 5 hats (??). Some persons use Cetaphil as baby wash so that shouldbe alright.

I'd also add diaper rash cream, nasal aspirator and saline drops, a breastpump (may be handy eventually), a few receiving blankets or muslin cloths(these can act as burp cloths as well).

As for the bras, I was told to wait until a couple days after my milk came in before I buy. You boobs could quadruple the size when the milk comes in and then reduce drastically again after.

I know nothing about the odd questions you ask but I'm a bit skeptical about putting the baby into the water so young.

[~Jess~]

Oh, yeah, I normally tell people the hospital will give you one, but duh, you're having a home birth.

You NEED a nasal aspirator. The huge green bulb ones that the hospitals have are the best.

[Resi]

I have a white snappi that I never used. I tried it a couple times but didn't like it. Do you want it? If so PM me your addy and I'll mail it out for you.

[**Jenn**]

Yeah I agree about the nasal aspirator and saline drops--get those.

The nipple cream is a MUST HAVE! I used it religiously the first two weeks with both boys. They nursed great, had great latches but my nipples needed to get used to the "abuse" and cracked and bled the first two weeks.

I wasn't really a fan of the swaddler blankets. I LOVE the waffle weave receiving blankets. They have more stretch in them and you can really burrito the baby up tight. I have about half a dozen and that is a good number.

You can get by with one or two hats and a half dozen pair of socks.

I would get infant tylenol, just to have on hand.

The cetaphil should be ok, I've never used it though, I always used baby soap.

You don't need anything for umbilical cord care. I was told I didn't even need to sponge bathe Lochy and could just bathe him regular. His cord fell off much earlier than Liam's did and I did all the "protocol" with Liam's cord.

As far as Q-tips go I would get the safety/baby ones. I don't trust myself with regular q-tips and the boys so I need the safety ones.

I just use regular cuticle scissors to cut the boys nails. I hated the baby clippers and the files didn't really work well for me.

I would skip the baby brush too, its not a must have.

One thing I had to have post delivery, and actually still because I'm still nursing is a big insulated water bottle. Something that holds a lot of water and that will keep it cold. You will be surprised how much you *need* to drink when nursing. I still go through about 125-150 ounces a day and it was more when I was nursing a lot.

And a peri bottle was a must have for me. Wiping after going to the bathroom didn't happen for about a month after both boys so I lived for my peri bottle. I kept one in each bathroom.

Have you tried One Step Ahead ( One Step Ahead: the best baby gifts, baby products & baby care essentials! ) for the other odds and ends stuff you're thinking about? We always get their catalog--they have a ton of that kind of stuff there.

[Resi]

Hats - In this hot weather? Maybe 1. I only used hats when we left the house when it was cold out.

Socks - I think you have enough and with the hot weather you won't really need them.

Baby Sunglasses - We have a pair that was given to us and I never use them. They don't stay on because Oliver pulls them off.

Baby Tylenol - I didn't buy it until after Oliver was born. I only have used it 2 times because of teething. The second time was tonight. I really didn't have to give it to him at all either times. It's up to you. Maybe better to have so if needed you don't have to run out for it.

Nail Clippers - I think it's better to have the tiny ones. I tried a nail file and it helps but I use both a lot of time. After the nails are clipped I file because they are sharp.

Nipple Cream - I don't think it's a MUST but it's good to have just in case you need it. I used mine but still have 1/2 a jar left. It's that Earth Mama, Angel Baby. If you want it I will send you the rest because I will never use it again. I always used a washed hand to get it out. lol..

Baby Wash - I'm picky so I got something all natural and organic. Same brand - Earth Mama, Angel Baby. I personally would not use the face wash. That's just me though..

[**Jenn**]

Oh I also wanted to make sure you have more than one changing pad. There were days I went through 3 or 4 of them. Because the baby, especially if its a boy, will pee all over it, you, and anything else that's even remotely near by.

[Resi]

Hats - In this hot weather? Maybe 1. I only used hats when we left the house when it was cold out.

Socks - I think you have enough and with the hot weather you won't really need them.

Baby Sunglasses - We have a pair that was given to us and I never use them. They don't stay on because Oliver pulls them off.

Baby Tylenol - I didn't buy it until after Oliver was born. I only have used it 2 times because of teething. The second time was tonight. I really didn't have to give it to him at all either times. It's up to you. Maybe better to have so if needed you don't have to run out for it.

Nail Clippers - I think it's better to have the tiny ones. I tried a nail file and it helps but I use both a lot of time. After the nails are clipped I file because they are sharp.

Nipple Cream - I don't think it's a MUST but it's good to have just in case you need it. I used mine but still have 1/2 a jar left. It's that Earth Mama, Angel Baby. If you want it I will send you the rest because I will never use it again. I always used a washed hand to get it out. lol..

Baby Wash - I'm picky so I got something all natural and organic. Same brand - Earth Mama, Angel Baby. I personally would not use the face wash. That's just me though..

[Resi]

Hats - In this hot weather? Maybe 1. I only used hats when we left the house when it was cold out.

Socks - I think you have enough and with the hot weather you won't really need them.

Baby Sunglasses - We have a pair that was given to us and I never use them. They don't stay on because Oliver pulls them off.

Baby Tylenol - I didn't buy it until after Oliver was born. I only have used it 2 times because of teething. The second time was tonight. I really didn't have to give it to him at all either times. It's up to you. Maybe better to have so if needed you don't have to run out for it.

Nail Clippers - I think it's better to have the tiny ones. I tried a nail file and it helps but I use both a lot of time. After the nails are clipped I file because they are sharp.

Nipple Cream - I don't think it's a MUST but it's good to have just in case you need it. I used mine but still have 1/2 a jar left. It's that Earth Mama, Angel Baby. If you want it I will send you the rest because I will never use it again. I always used a washed hand to get it out. lol..

Baby Wash - I'm picky so I got something all natural and organic. Same brand - Earth Mama, Angel Baby. I personally would not use the face wash. That's just me though..

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

I am in no way up to par enough to be responding to this thread or helping you with what I think... haha... but I will say that I was surprised about the hat question because I would never have thought it was a 'must' -- I mean I'd get one for being out in the sun by the pool or whatever I guess but I probably wouldn't have ever considered it a must have or something I'd need more than one of... and I probably wouldn't have thought of a baby hair brush either. lol. So this thread was educational for me

[~Jess~]

I only think the hat is a must have because baby will be out in the sun a lot (on the boat) and you're not supposed to put sunblock on babies. Bald head + sun = sunburn.

I was thinking this kind: Infant Sun Hat, Boys Sun Hats - Coolibar Inc.

[soImarriedAnerd]

I would love the stuff ladies!! Sent you PM's with my addy to Jess and Resi! (resi I only had read one of yours at that point-but I will take it all ).
blue bulb is on my home birth kit list--so I forgot it to put it on the list above.


Dropping...
-brush (i'll add if baby comes out with tons a hair--don't really see that since I was bald till almost 2yrs old LOL)
-witch hazel
-sunglasses

Adding..
-nasal spray (duh! How did I forget that!)
-nipple cream (thanks resi!)
-bulb (put on the correct list! LOL)
-clippers (heck they are little enough why not-we seem about 50/50 on use there)
-file (i will just get a new one for me and use that)
-Tylenol (probably best to have it right away so I don't have to fight with a fever baby while troys trying to find some---and heck I'm going to travel with it so why not get it early--do they come with the little medicine giver measurer thing or do I need to buy one?)
-that miracle blanket you guys rave about....its called the Miracle blanket right?
-sun hat


White noise machine----we have a MP3 track of white noise on the computer (with speakers) for Troy! I didn't even THINK to use it for baby! THANKS!

One step ahead website ROCKS-thanks.


so bug spray alternatives?

[~Jess~]

you can use breast milk in place of saline spray.

[Frozendesire]

I wanna say something smart and thoughtful.. but I think all these ladies covered it well!!

I didn't have big spitter uppers and I just used lots of baby wash cloths. I actually found them handy to have every where I went, stuck it in my pocket etc etc. I liked them better then lugging around a receiving blanket or burp cloth. So maybe you could get some of those instead of big blankets to cut down on space?

For a baby that young I would only do hats, and shade, no sunscreen/block or bug spray. I'd just use a cloth diaper (If I used them) for swimming. Swim diapers just catch poop, they let the pee go right through.

I'm gonna be the oddie out.... don't buy nail clippers! Those boogers are dangerous!!!!! I almost cut the tip of Kirsty's finger off with them.... blood everywhere, screaming baby... NEVER again will I use anything to cut her nails. I always file now. It keeps them from scratching her skin anyway.

- We found scratch mitts a must.
- Socks - you prob have enough, they wont get dirty really so 1 pair will do for a few days, you can hand wash them and dry overnight.
- Baby lotions & potions - you don't technically need any bubble bath or anything for baby. I use Johnson's baby soap for Kirsty - even her hair. Her skin reacts with bubbles and shampoo.
- hats - I live in Scotland - cold, brrr! lol we only used them when we went out and so I'd say 2, but for sun purposes make sure you do have a couple at least.

Do you really need the nasal bulb? We were strongly advised against them during our parenting classes. Never bought one, never had the need to use one. Maybe you could buy it if/when needed?