The Only Things You Truly Need To Bring Home Baby
Many times I’m asked at prenatal visits what needs to be in place and prepared far ahead of baby’s due date to be ready for bringing a baby home. Nesting and wanting to have all of the gear in drawers, washed, folded and in their proper places is a natural progression towards labor and birth. Not having all the ‘stuff’ can lead many mothers-to-be feeling panicked and stressed. Inevitably, as I myself found out this past weekend, babies don’t always wait for the list to be checked off, and the great news is that you truly NEED only a few essentials to survive your baby’s first few weeks home. Even better, all of these items are on an Amazon list, so click through, add to your Prime cart, and in two days you’ll be all set for baby!
1. A Baby ‘Holder’
While the first immediate moments and days after you welcome your bundle, this will most likely be family members and loved ones doting on your little babe, at some point you will need to put your baby down. Enter a place for baby! Some of the most popular options also double as a sleep environment for baby if you’re keeping them in the room near you during the early weeks of deciphering their cries and needs.
Some of our favorites include the Dock a Tot, which acts as a bordered cot for placing a newborn and can grow with baby, the Baby Box, an alternative to the moses basket, and the Rock N Play, which is portable for traveling to grandparents’ homes and takes up little room in the house.
2. A Baby Wearing Wrap
At some point, babies who like to be held will also have parents who need their hands free to use the bathroom, prepare dinner, or walk through the mall. The benefits of wearing extend beyond convenience; the fourth trimester babies love being tight and close to a parent, and wearing allows for that cozy care while allowing for more freedom of movement.
As the summer months approach, some of our favorites are lightweight, including linen fabrics and ease of use of a ring sling from Sakura Bloom, or a lighter bamboo stretchy wrap from Solly Baby.
3. Muslin Swaddles
Dr. Harvey Karp raves about the soothing qualities of including swaddling in his 5 s’s technique, which creates healthy early sleep and soothing cues for new babies adjusting to life outside of the womb. Large muslin swaddles take the guesswork out of wrapping up baby, and the breathable fabric can double as a nursing cover, car seat canopy, tummy time blanket and burp cloth.
Our favorites come from Aden & Anais, the top designer of quality muslin wraps.
4. Diapers
While this may seem like a no brainer, it really is one of the only true essentials you need. Not sure if you’re going to cloth or disposables? The Honest Company creates biodegradable and environmentally friendly disposable diapers in adorable prints for the first few weeks as you’re deciding how to diaper while going through the greatest volume of diapers.
5. Car Seat
Getting around with baby requires a special rear facing car seat. Two options for baby are a convertible car seat, or an infant seat that clicks into a base and allows the seat to be transported out of the car.
We love the ease of the Maxi Cosi Mico 30; this type of model’s lightweight base and handle take weight and stress off of carrying baby around newly postpartum.
6. Neutral Onesies
Not finding out baby’s sex until after delivery? Many will be gifting you adorable outfit sets for baby, but in the beginning, between wrapping and sleep, they really just need some bodysuits. These allow for layering, and are easy to put on over baby’s head and remove through the shoulders in the event of a diaper emergency.
Neutral sets from Carter’s are the truest to size and come in 5 packs that hold up well to frequent wear.
If baby arrives and you feel unprepared with gear, don’t panic! The bare necessities will truly help you not only pare down to what you really need, but will also take the stress off of last minute gathering and shopping! And if you need extra assistance gathering all of your items, our maternity concierge can take care of that to do list for you!
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