Last minute must-haves before baby gets here?

Sarah - posted on 01/05/2010

I loved my Boppy for breastfeeding. It was so comfortable and so easy to position my daughter while feeding. Also, I would highly recommend a sling of some sort. (moby wrap, ring sling, etc.) I didn't have one until my daughter was 2 1/2 weeks and once I got it, it was like a whole new world of possibilities opened up. I could actually get things accomplished again, and she slept so soundly in it!

Alicia - posted on 01/04/2010

sanitary napkins, lots of diapers and baby wipes, pjs and t shirts (you and the baby lol) pacifers (the hospital issued ones are huge) bottles. CONGRATULATIONS

Carina - posted on 01/04/2010

Hey... you'll be fine. Just make sure to look after yourself as well. your health is equally as important as your wonderful, healthy baby who is coming... Just one thing... whats the average weight size for babies in your family... not all babies are tiny... I actually got clothing that was for a larger sized baby... as my son was 8 pound 11.. quite large for a first.. but those larger clothes will come in handy. They grow so quickly so dont buy too many things at the same size but scatter the sizes.. getting bigger and bigger... just a thought. Car seat!

But do enjoy your sleep now! When baby sleeps you need to sleep...

Shonell - posted on 01/01/2010

spoken like a true veteran chez, she's gotten alot of advice that should be useful.

Chez - posted on 12/31/2009

Perfume free bathing items, Salvon Antiseptic Cream, Zaky Hand Pillow, Elevate head end of cot sligthly, Do what you feel is right, take all the advice people give graciously, record it for future reference, but do what you feel works for you and your baby. The first eight weeks are the hardest. Get into a routine that works for you (not your baby), you baby will learn the routine very quickly. Dont stress over SIDS, you have got to keep a stress-free mind, for your own well being and that of your baby.

Kimberly - posted on 12/31/2009

I would say Get a Swing! My second daughter had croup and slept for at least a month in her swing. I also remember when my sis was a newborn and the colic she had. (This was obviously before all the newborn tummy remedies) She literally slept in her swing for about two months! Swings are worth their weight in gold!

Sherrye - posted on 12/31/2009

Good Luck and may your baby sleep through the night! They make nipple covers,guards for your breast now. Helps w/ soreness. Don't forget little alcohol pads for the umbilical cord. (This may be old school but it helps w/ the cord drying and coming on off) And yes nursing pads for your bras!

Shonell - posted on 12/31/2009

their always things you might feel that you might forget,and congrate on the soon arrival of your boundle of joy did you add gripe water to your list, it's for gas pain

Rachael - posted on 12/31/2009

Calpol is a must but you cant use it until baby is three months old. Soft baby sponge, lots of cotton wool balls and earbuds, I also have Karvol (rub this on chest or cot sheet if baby has bad stuffy cold/cough), Olbas Oil (again used when baby has bad cough/cold), Anbesol (used for when baby starts teething) But to start off with I just had shampoo and body wash, a soft baby sponge, soft towels, cotton wool balls and I also used for the first few weeks olive oil dabbed on cotton wool to gently wipe on very dry skin patches (which my baby had when first born) I have never used moisterisers on my baby's skin as I do not want to upset the natural balance of his skin oils (I get really bad eczema and while his skin is healthy I dont want to use too many products on him) hope this helps

Courtney - posted on 12/30/2009

I know that this may seem wierd, but update your phone book. Add the baby's doctor and the nurse line at the hospital. Add any other names that may come in handy. My son started getting symptoms of allergies when he was only 2 weeks old and calling the nurse line helped keep my calm. (I thought it was RSV). Also, make sure that you have things to prepare yourself for the babies arrival. Feminine products and breast pads are a must! Good luck!

Kristin - posted on 12/30/2009

car seat weather resistent cover can get them at walmart for $15,a sleep sheep makes relaxing sounds like rain and mothers heartbeat it ataches to the crip really neat,aquaphor great for newborn dry skin,gripe water great for gas pain thats about all i can think of

Irelis - posted on 12/30/2009

i had a c-section and i used a bompy, u shape pillow, to help with breast feeding and holding him for the first couple of weeks..... it also holds the baby when u need to put em down. it helped me tons. best wishes, good luck

Julianne - posted on 12/30/2009

definately Mylicon drops!

Esther - posted on 12/30/2009

In terms of medicine I don't think you need much. Especially for a newborn. They won't be allowed any Tylenol until they are at least a few months old anyway.



Also, don't get too many newborn diapers. They grow like weeds when they are first born. My son grew a pound a week at one point early on. I had to throw/give away so many diapers because my son outgrew them in no time flat. And don't think that the weight indication on the packaging is accurate. You can't actually keep them in the diapers until the maximum weight on the package. Check out the minimum weigh on the diapers that go one size up. That's the weigh at which you'll be switching over (if not sooner).



I know you didn't ask for any other products but I wanted to make a pitch for the miracle blanket swaddling blanket (I got it on Amazon). It saved my life. My son never slept for more than 30 mins at a time until he was 3.5 months old. Then I got the miracle blanket (he always worked himself out of other swaddling blankets) and he started sleeping for 6 hour stretches. Best thing ever.

Tina - posted on 12/30/2009

A swing for when you get home they are a life saver!!! Pampers swaddlers. Enjoy your new baby!!! Almost forgot Preggie Pops work great to curb nausea and dry mouth during labor

Patricia - posted on 12/30/2009

A new version of the thermometers as they are quick and easy to read. A lot of times baby's end up needing a vaborizer,Some pedicare juice so when little one is not feeling up to snuff you can put the things in his or her body that they need replaced from being sick.Forget the poders for them diaper rashes get a box of corn starch easy to keep on hand. Good luck with the new one I hope my thoughts help you out.

Jennifer - posted on 12/29/2009

infants tylenol johnsons baby bath johnsons baby lotion a &d for diaper rash they have A 2 OR THREE PACK AT WALMART FOR BABY TOWELS q tips for imbilical cord and peroxide for imbillical cord too it helps dry it out so it will come off

Mary - posted on 12/29/2009

you may already know this and im not being silly but pads for yourself after your first birth you bleed for quite a while ..sorry just thought i would throw that out there for ya lol...also q tips and alcohol for cleaning the navel ..hope this helps a lil

Amanda - posted on 12/29/2009

Quoting Danielle:

Last minute must-haves before baby gets here?

My daughter is due Jan. 23rd and I am going soon to get her bathing and medicine type stuff, is there anything in particular that I should definately have around in the first few weeks in the way of over the counter meds or bathroom stuff? I already have like baby shampoo and towels and diaper rash cream and stuff like that on the list I just feel like I'm going to end up not having something she needs [this is my first baby]. thanks!

I had everything i thought i would need. I bought Infant gas drops and tylenol. The tylenol works great for right before their shots. Always stay stocked on diapers, they go really fast. Also another great thing to have is the vapor bath. With winter being here the baby will probably be really stuffy. It helps break up anything that could make them have a hard time sleeping at night. Since its your first make sure you have the stuff you need for your trip too. Bring comfy, loose clothing and some of your own personal stuff from home like pillows, robes, stuff that makes you feel like you are in a somewhat relaxed environment. I know most hospitals will allow you to bring a small radio with soothing music. Also  I dont know how you are with ear cleanliness but i wought those wafety swabs and cleaned my daughters ears every night after her bath.

Kathy - posted on 12/29/2009

Quoting Maizelle:

Something for you.....take your own Depends pull on underwear. Hospitals slap a football diaper with mesh panties on you after delivery and they are VERY uncomfortable. You will be needing them anyway after a vaginal birth and your bladder is not as controled. I used them for my 2nd baby and I was very thankful, and even got compliments from the nursing staff! Menstral pads aren't enough on those first few days or even weeks in my case.

Really? I missed those mesh panties from the hospital when I got home so much that when my incison came open my homecare nurse brought me some

Maizelle - posted on 12/29/2009

Something for you.....take your own Depends pull on underwear. Hospitals slap a football diaper with mesh panties on you after delivery and they are VERY uncomfortable. You will be needing them anyway after a vaginal birth and your bladder is not as controled. I used them for my 2nd baby and I was very thankful, and even got compliments from the nursing staff! Menstral pads aren't enough on those first few days or even weeks in my case.

Melissa - posted on 12/29/2009

I was scared to death of the umbilical cord, so my husband bought me a small box of the alcohol pads that made it really easy to keep that area clean. Bibs and burp clothes are also something that we rarely had enough of, where as we hardly used receiving blankets at all!! Gabriel was born in October, so by the time we got home from the hospital, it was definately cold enough for a thicker blanket. He slept in the blanket sacks and one piece outfits so he didn't get cold at night. Things such as Mylecon and Beadroux's Butt Paste is also really nice to have on hand when you need it for diaper rash. I also found that the Johnson's pre-soaped wash cloths were so much easier to use when I was trying to balance a slippery wet baby while washing him. Hope this helps and good luck! Enjoy it though, it goes by faster than you can imagine!

Melissa - posted on 12/29/2009

Quoting Danielle:

Thanks guys, also I have another question I was going to go out and buy a breast pump because I plan on breastfeeding and someone told me I should hold off on it because the hospital she had her baby at gave her one for free.. do they usually do that or is that one of those things where it depends on the hospital:?

Definitely depends on the hospital.  call ahead and ask where you plan to deliver.  Medella makes the best pumps.  I bought mine in 03 and it was like 180 bucks, but it has a battery pack as well for pumping on the go, and its case looks like a large purse, so you don't know what it is.  it also comes with ice packs, and has a cooler compartment so you can store your freshly pumped milk.

Alana - posted on 12/29/2009

My hospital only gave me a hand pump, not an electric one. I'd call the hospital where you plan to deliver and ask what kind they give the moms that deliver there.

Amber Lynne - posted on 12/29/2009

I'd wait on the breast pump-I bought a nice one but my son was tongue-tied and couldn't nurse.
Have a freezer full of about 2-3 weeks worth of prepared 1 dish meals, or main dish items that you can add easy things to to finish. You won't have the energy to cook, but will need the nutrients. I had a couple friends make us supper, but it was only the first few days-I wasn't exhausted yet then. Have a friend/family member that you can call in a pinch incase you are literally too tired to function. It happened to me & my sister had to come over and tend to the baby so I could get some rest.

Erin - posted on 12/29/2009

Quoting Danielle:

Thanks guys, also I have another question I was going to go out and buy a breast pump because I plan on breastfeeding and someone told me I should hold off on it because the hospital she had her baby at gave her one for free.. do they usually do that or is that one of those things where it depends on the hospital:?

Get a double pump... so worth it!  If your hospital doesn't give you one, try renting one for a few weeks from a medical supply shop (you buy all the parts that come in contact w/ you or your milk) to find the one you want. 

I had the medela pump in style and I loved it. Used it for both my kids and then gave it to my lactation clinic when I was done to give it to someone that needed it but couldn't afford one.

Rosie - posted on 12/29/2009

oh yeah, i forgot! some people might scoff at this, but i found it to be soooooo much help. let your baby stay in the nursery at night and let them feed her, and, if your breast feeding ( i didn't) have them bring the baby to you when she needs to be fed. you will be beyond tired and at home it just gets worse. i found it sooooo much better as i didn't do this with my first one and thought i was going to die of being tired. it's hard at first, but you get plenty of time with them during the day, and i could never sleep really food at the hospital so i was up at like 4:30 everyday, and went in and got my baby myself.

Rosie - posted on 12/29/2009

i loved little hand mittens, my children always scratched their faces up. mine always had their hands up by their faces (even when they came out of me, the last two came out head, and one hand first). i kept their nails short, but it still managed to happen alot. i always thought they were pretty silly, and useless before, but i hated seeing their little faces all scratched up!

Ann - posted on 12/29/2009

Diapie Wipes, wet ones, whatever you want to call them....you will not have enough. You will discover they have about a million and one uses. Make sure to have travel packs. For your hospital stay, take some warm fuzzy socks for during the delivery and after. And don't forget lotion for you.

Dani - posted on 12/28/2009

I just wanted to give you a heads up on the lanolin for breastfeeding...it will stain whatever it touches! It is THE best stuff ever but I had to throw out a couple of nightgowns because I had huge stains on the boob area. I only leaked once so I never used the pads, I breastfed my daugher for 18 months so not everyone leaks. Also, for sore breasts the best thing is to fill up 2 newborn diapers will water just enough to be wet without it leaking out then put them in the freezer! The shape of the diaper after it freezes with cup your breasts and it will be soft and cold, excellent for soothing the soreness! Good luck!!!

Danielle - posted on 12/28/2009

- Oval gas drops (you can add a drop or two to each bottle to prevent gas or give it to your baby in a dropper to help relieve gas).
- Breast & maxi pads.
- Baby swing (GODSEND for fussy babies...preferably one that winds up or plugs in).

You might wanna keep up on the laundry and housework because if you come home from the hospital to a messy house no tidying will get done for a while.
Also, I cooked like crazy beforehand...I froze spaghetti sauce, chili, stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls, shepherd's pie, chicken...

Amanda - posted on 12/28/2009

I think a couple others have mentioned it but FOOD for you and your husband/significant other, especially if you are breastfeeding. And you'll want food that is quick and easy to snack on because you don't always have a lot of time to sit down and eat!

Christina - posted on 12/28/2009

Dont forget ur breast pads even if ur not nursing u will need them for a little while. If u are nursing get some nipple cream. The first few days are alittle rought but after that you'll be ok. Dont get discouraged, keep in mind it is the BEST resourse of feeding for ur daughter. My hospital in Baltimore, Md rents breast pumps $60 a month, but by time ur done with it you could have bought one to keep. They do have some pumps that are inexpensive at Walmart and Target. Congrats!!! Make sure u get LOTS of rest now. I just had my daughter 11/19 and everyone told me to rest before I had her and I didn't and I wish I would have because sleep can be nonexistant at times. Good Luck!!

Susie - posted on 12/28/2009

Re: Pump
I'd wait on buying. Call your hospital to find out pump options. Rental from the hospital pretty inexpensive and a better way to go until you've had time to breastfeed and pump to see about your actual needs. Good luck... Parenthood is awesome!

Kathy - posted on 12/28/2009

Quoting Jessica:

Quoting Danielle:

Thanks guys, also I have another question I was going to go out and buy a breast pump because I plan on breastfeeding and someone told me I should hold off on it because the hospital she had her baby at gave her one for free.. do they usually do that or is that one of those things where it depends on the hospital:?

Check and see if your insurance will cover it.  My daughter's pediatrician called in in the prescription to the local medical supply store and I picked it up there.  My insurance only covers one every 5 years though, so try and see what your term are if they do cover it.  The hospitals in my area do not give out breastpumps.  Some places rent them but all the people I had talked to made it sound like a big hassle (then I found out about my insurance covering one) .   Good luck!

I'm in Canada so it's not an option to go through most insurances... I don't think most work insurances cover them anyways. The hospital I had my baby at will rent them to you, I can't remember how much it was though.

Elizabeth - posted on 12/28/2009

LANOLIN! Cotton-reusable breast pads.

Tessa - posted on 12/28/2009

Get pads for your bras...You will be leaking like crazy!!! Wait tell your first shower at home haha...Trust me it is funny. I don't think I saw anyone recommend cloth diapers from spitting up, They work alot better and longer then the cute little spit up blankets. My son used those like crazy!!! The breast pumps that some hospitals give you are not that good you want one that is battery operated unless you plan on working your muscules. :)

Lisa - posted on 12/28/2009

Gripe water and Gas relief (the generic works just as well) and swaddler blankets...the ones we found that worked best were the thermal streatchy blankets...DON't waste your time on the swaddlers already made...they are usually to loose. We found that cloth diapers worked very well for throw up...we had twins and had about 20 of these and washed all of them almost daily.

As for breast pumps, I think more hospitals will rend them vs giving them away. IF you borrow one from a friend, you need to buy the parts that touch you and your milk. The pump itself may be borrowed if you have someone that doesn't have anymore use for theirs. If you do breastfeed, be sure you have lanolin on hand!!

Check out the hospital's breastfeeding clinic for supplies, no tax (usually) and cheaper then other stores...I found ours had neater and bigger boppy pillows too.

I wouldn't bother much with thermometers, brushes and nose suckers because the hospitals should (ours did) give you everything that was used on your baby...be sure and ask about that.

Karen - posted on 12/28/2009

The best gift you can give yourself and your baby, cause you are going to be tired, ask some friends to help, by making dinners and put them in the freezer, so you don't have to worry about that for the first couple of weeks, you will feel great the first week and energized, take my word, don't over due it and get plenty of rest.

Wendy - posted on 12/28/2009

a battery operated nose suckie is great its alot faster and some play music. I also bought a swaddle blanket that was easy to swaddle my son in and it stays snug until you remove it I got mine from walmarts for 10.00. for the most part you wont need much the first few weeks gas drops are a good idea as well as alchol pads for the cord. some quick grab snacks and meals and of course breast pads! as far as a breast pump you can get one from most wic offices. and the hospital usually gives you a manual one. I am nursing my 2 month old and I have nursed my last 2 and never really used the breast pump.

Jessica - posted on 12/28/2009

Quoting Danielle:

Thanks guys, also I have another question I was going to go out and buy a breast pump because I plan on breastfeeding and someone told me I should hold off on it because the hospital she had her baby at gave her one for free.. do they usually do that or is that one of those things where it depends on the hospital:?

Check and see if your insurance will cover it.  My daughter's pediatrician called in in the prescription to the local medical supply store and I picked it up there.  My insurance only covers one every 5 years though, so try and see what your term are if they do cover it.  The hospitals in my area do not give out breastpumps.  Some places rent them but all the people I had talked to made it sound like a big hassle (then I found out about my insurance covering one) .   Good luck!

Genevieve - posted on 12/28/2009

Quoting Missy:

A "sound machine." We have one from Brookstone that makes the white noise sound as well as a lot of other sounds and it helps the baby sleep soundly. My Lila still uses it everytime she sleeps. It also blocks out noises that could wake the baby... dog barking outside, doorbell... you never notice all these little noises until you have a sleeping baby. Some babies, like mine, wake up at the drop of a dime. Good Luck and Congrats!

I agree! mine has all kind of nature sound as well as the heartbeat a must have :)

Genevieve - posted on 12/28/2009

forgot to mention, I personnally brought my own pillow at the hospital!! A must

Elisha-Kay - posted on 12/28/2009

plenty of "burp rags", pads for yourself, and a pedicure for yourself!

Missy - posted on 12/28/2009

A "sound machine." We have one from Brookstone that makes the white noise sound as well as a lot of other sounds and it helps the baby sleep soundly. My Lila still uses it everytime she sleeps. It also blocks out noises that could wake the baby... dog barking outside, doorbell... you never notice all these little noises until you have a sleeping baby. Some babies, like mine, wake up at the drop of a dime. Good Luck and Congrats!

Genevieve - posted on 12/28/2009

I definitely recommend lanolin cream but you can also use your breastmilk, express a drop or two and rub it on your nipples and air dry. As for breast pump if you get one from the hospital it's good, but like someone else said get one and leave it in the box in casse. As for diapers it all depends on the size of your daughter when she is born, my son was 6lbs14oz and I only used the diapers for 2 or 3 weeks, You will see with how fast she grows. Don't forget to always have water handy for you to drink it helps with the milk flow, this is a good job for your hubby to do, everytime you're about to breastfeed, he brings you fresh water ;) good luck and congrats. Oh and get lots of sleepers and don't be afraid to go up a size even if it's to big she won't need it fit to be able to move for a while!

Arwen - posted on 12/28/2009

Wick gives you a breast pump, I believe. A friend of mine got a double electric one for free. It was pretty nice.

If you are breastfeeding, get a Boppy. Also be sure to stock up on nursing pads. If you have any skin allergies, I recommend the Gerber pads. Ditto on the pads and comfy clothes. Nothing fit after DD was born, not even maternity clothes. Sweats and pj bottoms were my friends.

I was gifted some lavender scented oatmeal bath. It was wonderful. Don't need it, but it's lovely to have. My doctor said baths were alright as soon as I left the hospital.

Nicole - posted on 12/28/2009

i didnt get one from the hospital i had to go to the health dept./ Wic clinic to get one

Becky - posted on 12/28/2009

I never had to use any meds on my son. I had asked my ped what to stock up on in that department and he said that you shouldn't give anything unless specifically authorized but the MD. I did use Tylenol when he got circumcised, but u are gonna have a daughter so.... :-) I would definitely get lanolin and a nipple shield (that was fun describing to my husband while he was at the store in front of the breastfeeding shelf.) I got a Medela hand pump and that was sufficient until I went back to work. If you get an electric get hospital grade, are a bit more expensive but worth it. If you have WIC they will loan you a pump. If you are going to start pumping and storing you should get milk storage bags (they store well and smaller). Nose aspirator, you will get one from the hospital, too. Don't open more than one pack of new born diapers, my son grew out of them in less than a week. I was glad that I took back all the new born clothes except for 2 outfits. 91/2pounder, though!

Randi - posted on 12/28/2009

have you got a grooming kit(nail clippers, scissors, brush, etc), a bath ball thermometer really helps, also they have a thermometer you can roll across their forehead(you can buy it at walmart for like $15) & your best friend for you is the burn spray they give you at the hospital, pads, & comfy clothes! best wishe & congrats!!!