When you are pregnant, almost everyone you meet will share a list of must-have essentials with you that you might need once your little bundle of joy arrives. While most helpful newborn must-have lists include almost all basic items such as a car seat and nursery furniture, it is the small things that those lists miss out on. So we thought of rectifying this problem for you and created a new list of 6 must-have essentials that can allow you to smoothly transition into this new phase of life – motherhood.
A Nursing Pillow
They are always going to say “breast is the best!” but hardly anyone will tell you how difficult it is. And this is exactly why most women who begin to breastfeed their newborns at birth do not continue it beyond 17 weeks on average. Even though the recommended age is 24 months.
While it is believed that mothers can’t go wrong with breastfeeding, this is not true. You will need a lot of practice and a lot of support not just from the people around you but in terms of equipment as well. And perhaps the best support you can get is from a nursing pillow. It allows you to hold your baby comfortably without hunching over during long and tiring nursing sessions. You can choose from a variety of nursing pillows. Make sure you choose one that is durable and allows you to maintain your posture as you breastfeed your newborn.
Only with a comfortable nursing pillow, you can enjoy your breastfeeding journey for as long as you desire.
A Bassinet
You have already invested in a crib and have set up the nursery for your newborn.
And that is okay!
But it is worth buying a bassinet and letting your baby sleep with you in your room for at least the first few months.
Your little bundle of joy would wake up every 2-3 hours for a nursing session. And for an already exhausted mama who is recovering physically and mentally, it may be difficult to repeatedly get up and go all the way to the baby’s room multiple times during one night. A better way to deal with this problem is to invest in a bassinet and make your baby sleep in your room so you too can get some decent amount of nighttime sleep.
Swaddles
As you progress into the fourth trimester, try to provide the same environment to your newborn as they were used to back when they were in your womb. Cuddled, cushioned and squished from all sides. And there is nothing better than swaddling that can give the same effect after birth. Continue to swaddle your little one for the first 12 weeks. This keeps them warm and gives a feeling of safety and security. Moreover, it guards against the jerky movement (Moro reflex) that your newborn experiences often that can also interrupt your baby’s sleep. A swaddled baby sleeps more comfortably and gets the same feeling as in the uterus. So why not buy a few swaddles ahead of time.
White Noise Machine
Inside a mother’s body, the baby is constantly listening to the rushing blood and the muffled sounds of all those around the mother. So it is only natural for a baby to cry when you place them in a completely silent room. To create the same environment as your baby is getting used to the new world, a white noise machine is a blessing in disguise. Invest in one so both you and your baby can sleep peacefully. You can also download free white noise apps for your smartphone.
Baby Carrier
Your baby needs to be held and you won’t spoil them if you hold them close to yourself. But since there is so much more to do than just holding a baby, your two arms may not seem enough. Don’t worry! A baby carrier can help you solve this problem. As you complete your household chores, run errands or read a book while enjoying coffee, you can always keep your baby close to you.
A Nasal Aspirator
A stuffy nose can make your baby really uncomfortable and since the little ones can’t blow it out, you have to do it on your own. And you need a nasal aspirator for that! You can go for a simple version or a fancier nasal aspirator of your choice that allows you to suck your baby’s boogies out in a tube.
Final Words
As you welcome your little bundle of joy, the transition is not always very smooth but with these 6 must-have essentials for new moms, you can enjoy some of the most precious moments of your life with your newborn.