31 Newborn Essentials (that may not be on your registry)

March 30, 2016

In the first three months with your new baby, you are learning a lot about what works and what doesn’t. It’s hard to know ahead of time what you may need, so we asked some gMums (that’s you!) for things that are especially handy in those early days:

Nursing Gear

If you’re nursing, this may be the biggest adjustment in your life, especially while you’re body is recovering from birth and your milk supply levels out. These can help make you more comfortable:

1. Nursing pillow
2. Nursing pads
3. Nursing bras
4. Hand pump
5. Electric pump
6. Cooling gel
7. Nipple salve
8. Big cup with straw for water

Baby Gear

You need a car seat before you leave the hospital, but you’ll also want these before you get home:

1. Baby wrap / baby wearing device
2. gDiapers Newborn Bundle
3. Muslin swaddle blankets
4. Gowns (instead of pants, to make diaper changes easier)
5. Nose Frida
6. Baby swing / Bouncer
7. Burp cloths (pre-fold cloth diapers work great)
8. Binkies / Pacifiers
9. Cloth wipes
10. Vibrating nail file

Parents Gear

It’s easy to forget about your basic needs when you have a newborn. But it’s important to take care of you too. Take stock of these to keep yourself happy and fed:

1. Freezer meals
2. Gift cards to restaurants
3. Netflix
4. Snacks and drinks
5. Chocolate
6. Baby app to track feedings and diaper changes
7. New mom support group

Sleep Gear

Sleep is serious business with a new baby. Even if you have your dream nursery set up, you may want to try these if you’re having trouble in this department:

1. Lullaby music
2. Sound machine
3. King-sized bed
4. Co-sleeper
5. Rock n’ Play
6. Bassinet

Every parent finds their own best way to do things. Do you have any must-haves for life with a newborn? Share your ideas here!