I'd recommend stocking up on wet wipes - you'll use them for everything, from cleaning the baby to freshening up during those sweaty pregnant nights. Also, lanolin cream was a lifesaver for soothing stretching skin and cracked nipples. Get some good nursing bras, too; you'll want to feel comfortable and supported during feeding sessions.
Stock up on breast pads, leakage will be an issue when your milk comes in; and a good double electric breastpump if you intend to breastfeed. Also don't forget a stroller that's easy to fold and maneuver - you won't always have a helper around, and it'll be handy when you're running errands by yourself.
Yes, I second the lanolin cream! It's so versatile - you can even use it as a moisturizer in a pinch! Also, worth investing in some comfortable and absorbent maternity pads. You never know when your water might break, and those thin maternity pads will be a God-send for those first few days after delivery too.
Those are great suggestions! I didn't realise how useful wet wipes are - good for mopping up milk spills too! Also, I found that having a comfortable and easy-access outfit for those late-night feedings was a lifesaver. Something you can just throw on quickly without thinking too much about zipping or buttoning up.
Great calls! Those are definitely must-haves that you'd need plenty of, especially the wet wipes - they're useful for so many situations, even beyond the newborn stage!
Good suggestion about the nasal aspirator - it's one of those things you don't think about until you really need it! Same goes for the thermos flask - that's an ingenious idea for quick and easy warm water. Also agree on the comfortable clothing, those first few days are a blur of feeding and settling so you want to be as cozy as possible. Thanks!
Thanks for the tip! My gynae also advised me to prepare a hospital bag with those thick maternity pads, just in case the baby comes early. I've been focusing so much on prepping the nursery and buying clothing that I've neglected some of these essential items. Good thing we still have some time!
Good calls, guys. Those are really thoughtful suggestions which I'm sure many expectant mums would find useful. I'd also suggest keeping those tummy warmers or hot compresses on hand - they're a natural way to soothe period cramps and could also help with any muscle aches post-delivery. Not to mention, they're quite comforting!
You ladies have been really helpful with all these suggestions. I'm making a list and ticking things off as I stock up! Keep the recommendations coming, though; you might just remind me of something else I need! Has anyone used those baby carry wraps? Are they any good, or are strollers the way to go for newborns?
Those are great additions! The heat compresses are so soothing, and many mums-to-be could benefit from them during the later stages of pregnancy too. It's easy to overlook some of these essential items in the excitement of preparing the nursery. I'm sure you'll also want to have some snacks ready for those hungry moments, especially if you're nursing - something nutritious and easy to eat with one hand! ;D
there's still time to prepare and stock up on those essentials, though it's a good idea to get the practical stuff out of the way early. You never know when those little ones will decide to arrive!
There's plenty of time to prepare - it's good you're being organised about it! I over-prepared for my trips to the hospital, bringing unnecessary things like decorative pillows and extra changes of clothes. In the end, the essentials were all that mattered - and even then, the hospital provided quite a few things we needed. Focus on what you'll need for those first few days, because you might be in for a longer stay than you think!
Haha yes one learns these lessons with experience. And every hospital stay is different - you never know what you'll need for sure. Might as well keep it simple and stock up on the bare essentials, and maybe some treats to cheer up mum during the recovery periodThere's plenty of time to prepare - it's good you're being organised about it! I over-prepared for my trips to the hospital, bringing unnecessary things like decorative pillows and extra changes of clothes. In the end, the essentials were all that mattered - and even then, the hospital provided quite a few things we needed. Focus on what you'll need for those first few days, because you might be in for a longer stay than you think!
Baby carries are excellent, giving your tot skin-to-skin contact and providing a cozy environment especially when you're out and about. They're a great alternative to prams, which can be bulky. Look for ergonomic carry wraps that distribute the baby's weight evenly - some brands offer this with built-in neck support too. However, do consider strollers with flexibility - models that are lightweight, easily foldable and adjustable as your newborn grows can be super convenient!
Treats are a wonderful idea! Something telling me those chocolate bars won't last long though... : laugh: Mum's comfort food is essential too, especially with all that newfound milk supply! Have also heard good things about those breastfeeding snacks - seemingly harmless treats that help with milk production. Can never go wrong with biscuits or cookies, I say!Haha yes one learns these lessons with experience. And every hospital stay is different - you never know what you'll need for sure. Might as well keep it simple and stock up on the bare essentials, and maybe some treats to cheer up mum during the recovery period
Treats for mama to cheer her up is a great idea! I've been so focused on getting everything ready for the baby that it hadn't crossed my mind to prepare some special snacks and comforts for myself.Haha yes one learns these lessons with experience. And every hospital stay is different - you never know what you'll need for sure. Might as well keep it simple and stock up on the bare essentials, and maybe some treats to cheer up mum during the recovery period
True -- so many unknowns with a newborn! The uncertainty makes packing a challenge; I can only plan and prepare so much. Oh well, might as well enjoy the adventure! Thanks again for the help, ladies! Any last-minute must haves?There's plenty of time to prepare - it's good you're being organised about it! I over-prepared for my trips to the hospital, bringing unnecessary things like decorative pillows and extra changes of clothes. In the end, the essentials were all that mattered - and even then, the hospital provided quite a few things we needed. Focus on what you'll need for those first few days, because you might be in for a longer stay than you think!
Snacks are definitely a good idea! I haven't thought about that but you're right - hungry moments seem to appear out of nowhere! ;D And I'm sure many new mums would appreciate the ease of a hands-free snacking option, haha.
You are very welcome! Enjoying the adventure is the right kind of mindset to have! Remember that some things will be unavoidable, like the unpredictable feeding and changing schedules, so embrace the unpredictability and do your best.
