week 27: baby gear, tried and tested
Pregnant friends ask me what I find most useful to have on hand for babies. As I am a minimalist I think this list may be of service to those who’d like to keep it simple… though, even then it’s a handful (see my earlier post on keeping things tidy).
I have made it through two children with no automatic swing or rocker, no big clunky plastic toys, no wipes or bottle warmers, no sterilizers…. In my experience in the first year, children want to interact with adults and play outdoors - everything else, is just a prop!
Full disclosure: my husband maintains this list, he’s totally on top of what we need, and what we don’t!
Baby medicine kit:
Infant Tylenol (regular)
Get the ear reading thermometers - much faster and less invasive
Baby wash / shampoo (I like this brand: California Baby)
Rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
First aid kit
Homeopathic teething remedy (Camilia from Boiron)
Hygiene:
Diapers (newborn and size 1- 7th Generation or Earth-Baby.com for compostable) Don’t get a lot of newborn—they only fit for about a week.
Sensitive skin baby wipes (7th Generation or Earth-Baby.com)
Diaper Champ/Genie/Dekor (We use the Diaper Champ and it’s great)
Fragrance/dye-free baby detergent (7th Generation)
Cotton balls, Q-tips with safety tips
Nasal aspirator (you’ll also get a good one from the hospital).
Nail clippers with safety handle.
Long, thin, super maxi pads (you will need at least a box or two for post-partem)
Bath
Hooded towels
Baby bathtub
Baby washcloths
Nursing and Feeding Items
Bottles (we like the born free). You might have to try a few different kids before finding one that your baby likes, so I wouldn’t get a “starter kit” until you know.
Burp cloths (a dozen to start)
Bibs (4-6)
My Breast Friend
Reusable breast pads (if breastfeeding)
A breast pump, if you plan to nurse. I was happy with the Medela Pump in Style.
Breat pump bra (this allows you to read, work, while doing the daily pump)
Nursing bras. Only get one or two before baby is born because you’ll get bigger again.
High chair. (Don’t need until 5 or 6 months)
Babycook (make your own baby food - don’t need until 5 or 6 months) http://www.beabausa.com/product-babycook.cfm
Clothing
Hats
Gowns (2-4)
Onesies (5-10)
Sleepers (2-4)
Socks (6)
Stepping-out outfits (4-6)
Receiving blankets (5-7)
Take whatever you can get your hands on at the hospital. Take extra disposable mesh underwear, baby diapers, nasal bulb. If you can get your hands on some hospital swaddlers, take as many as you can. You will never find a store bought swaddler that is as good as those or the hats.
Car & Travel Items
Infant car seat / stroller
Convertible Stroller for car seat
Car seat body support if you make small babies
Ergo carrier - my favorite baby and toddler carrier;
KidCo tent (for sleeping outside house and for fun!) - this is a million times lighter and better than the clunky pack n play or other folding bed.
You don’t really need a diaper bag - I discovered this with my second child — a little cloth bag with a change of clothes and a few diapers and wipes is just as good, and much lighter.
Comforting Baby:
Pacifiers
Bouncy seat: a must (best one I found is this)
Sleep:
Sound Machine
Cosleeper
Sleep Sacks (Awesome for keeping them warm without blankets after 3 months)
When you buy a crib get your mattress from here - - remember your kids sleep 14 hours a day, the one place to spend money is their mattress.
Humidifier
breathable crib bumper
Play:
Floor activity gym: Colorful mat with fun things to play with
A few musical and shiny/textury toys
At one point you will need a baby gate - but that is a whole new topic - baby proofing the house… for another post maybe.
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