Category: parenting

Compensation was provided by Quidsi for this No-Stress No-Fluff guide to New Baby Essentials. All opinions are my honest thoughts. 

Have you ever come across those lists that tell you everything you NEED/MUST HAVE/CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT for baby? The ones that have moms panicking that they don’t have the right tools to take care of their precious child, and perhaps add more anxiety than any new mom needs. 

Toss those lists out Moms, because this is the REAL list of items you need before bringing your precious new baby home. I asked my real mom friends for the basic items they needed for their babies, added that to my list of basics, and have for you this comprehensive NO-Stress list of baby items.

Now admittedly there is a lot a baby actually needs, that will make both your life more pleasant, and your baby happier. There are also a lot of extras or “fluff” items that are pretty awesome to have. I’ll list those out as well, but give you my alternatives that you most likely already have. Finally, the last part of this list will be everything you as a new mom will find useful and comforting.

New Baby Essentials

• Diapers and Wipes – whether you choose to go disposable or cloth, you’ll want diapers on hand before bringing your bundle of joy home. One friend suggested having a lot of small packs of diapers in different sizes. Some babies are big, and won’t ever fit in the Newborn size. Others are smaller and will remain in newborn for longer stretches. 
• A Place to Sleep – Most people use a crib. There’s also a bassinet, a cosleeper, a pack and play. Or you could even use a box if you so choose. I remember my mom telling me she used a dresser drawer for one of us – though that may have just been while on vacation.
• Car Seat – You won’t be able to leave the hospital (if that’s where you choose to give birth) without a carseat. If you want to go anywhere in a car with your new baby you will need a car seat. It’s the law.
• Clothing – Another fairly obvious one. You’ll want clothes for your child. It’s a basic human need. Similar to the diapers, don’t stock up all in one size. Baby’s grow fast! Keep Newborn, 0-3month and 3-6month sizes out and accessible. The time will fly.
• Blankets – Many moms, including myself, recommend the Aden and Anais Muslin swaddle blankets. They truly are fabulous! However, you don’t need them. You will want blankets of some sort. Receiving, flannel, muslin. They come in handy for a number of activities with your baby. See how I turned our receiving blankets into a quilt!
• Bottles – Even if you plan on breastfeeding, having at least one or two bottles on hand will be helpful. This allows you to take a little time for yourself and let your spouse, a grandparent, even a friend bond with the baby. 
• A Large Bag – You do not, let me repeat, you do not need a “diaper bag”. What you do need is a good sized bag/purse to carry some of these essentials. Unless you plan on never leaving home. I like my zippered tote bags. I can toss in my wallet, diapers, wipes, and a small blanket. 
• A way to Bathe Baby – Babies get dirty. They poop, and pee, and spit up. You can buy a baby tub, but you can also use your kitchen sink or a large bucket. For the first month you may even just sponge bathe your new baby, so all you’ll need is a washcloth and towel.
• Rash Cream – This. Every baby is different, but having some sort of rash cream on hand just in case will save you and baby many tears should you need it. When baby’s bum develops a rash, the last place you want to be is in the store comparing rash creams. 

New Baby “Fluff”

• Carseat Cover – Some moms told me this was a need. I rarely used one. It is nice to have, though, especially if you are out and about a lot during cold and flu season with the new baby. 
• Sling – Baby wearing is actually very good and soothing for you and baby. If you can afford one, some type of sling/carrier will benefit you immensely. Especially if you have more than one child.
• Swaddler – This is an item I’ve never used. The hospital will teach you how to swaddle your baby in a blanket. Baby’s like tight spaces to mimic the womb, so if you’d rather not use a blanket, give a swaddler a try.
• Happiest Baby on the Block Book – Never read this book, because every time it was mentioned I was already in the throes of crying children, and reading a book was not going to help me. So, read this book before you bring home baby, or you will never find the time to read it.
• White Noise App – Baby’s will get used to the noise around them. If they do have a hard time sleeping, a white noise app or machine will come in handy for you. It wouldn’t hurt to have this downloaded on your phone just in case. 
• Pacifiers and Clips – Another fluff item, because every baby is different. My first 3 gave their pacifiers up at 6months all on their own. My 4th refused to ever take one. If your baby does like his pacifier, having a clip to keep it from constantly dropping to the floor will be a lifesaver.
• Stroller – I consider a stroller a fluff item because you have two arms, and can carry the baby around. Life is easier with a stroller, though – it really is.
• Nursing App – If keeping a good schedule is important to you, a nursing app will come in handy. Record every time you nurse, which side, and for how long. I’m sure I would have used this had I been using a smartphone more frequently with my last babies. Don’t stress though if it’s one more thing you just can’t handle tracking. You’ll know when your baby is hungry.
• Formula Container – For whatever your reason is to formula feed, a container that pre-portions the formula for you can be extremely handy. Trying to measure it out while on the go is messy, and frustrating.
• Nose Frida – OK I just can’t get behind this one. However, I have one friend who absolutely loves it. To each their own.
• Dirty Diaper Bags – I’m going to stop you right now! You DO NOT NEED a diaper pail. If you want one, and think it makes your life easier – go for it! However, as most of my mom friends have told me, all you really need is some type of bag to put dirty diapers in. I personally use grocery sacks. Others use ziplock bags. There are cheaper alternatives to a diaper pail and the refillable bags you have to buy with them.
• Burp Cloths – This one jumps back and forth. Truly, you don’t need a burp cloth, but you will want something to cover your shoulder/lap while burping baby. I found most burp cloths to be too small for the amount of spit up by babies produced and chose instead to use the receiving blankets. You can also designate a few towels you already own as the “burp” rags. So yes, this is needed, but I’m sure you have something you can already use at home.
• Pillows – Some people may tell you to buy a boppy. You don’t need one. If anything I found the boppy more frustrating than helpful. It might work better for you, though. All you really need are pillows – especially if nursing. Pillows will help prop your arms and back and you can adjust to find the right position for your body.

New Mom Comforts

• Nursing Cover – I strongly encourage moms everywhere to nurse. I also encourage moms to do it with respect to those around you, and for your own privacy. A nursing cover will be your best friend. Even if it’s just a blanket you throw over your shoulders.
• Lanolin – nipple cream – for the love mothers! You will want this those first few days/weeks of nursing. They hurt and get sore, and cream will bring comfort you will definitely be looking for.
• Stretchy comfort pants – Giving birth is no joke. No matter how that baby comes out, your body has gone through a lot the last 9 months. Do yourself a favor and buy some comfortable stretchy pants – or 2 or 3.
• Nursing Bras – If you plan on nursing, you will want these. Life is just easier without having to completely undress to feed your new baby.
• Nursing Pads – Nursing or not, your body will produce milk. I’ve been the mom who goes out and then realizes she forgot to replace her pad and found her shirt conspicuously soaked through. Don’t be like me.
• Water Bottle – You will be so thirsty! Find the largest water bottle you can, and buy 2 of them. Keep them filled and in the 2 locations you think you’ll be spending most of your time. I go for the couch and my bed.
• Snacks – Momma, you deserve some treats. Stock up on your favorite before the baby comes, and keep some near your water bottles. 
• Netflix/Book – Sometimes, the constant nursing can get a little boring. I mean I LOVE staring into my babies precious face, but there comes a time where I feel less productive and my mind starts guilting me for everything else I’m not getting done while nursing baby. So pop up Netflix – or Amazon – or grab your favorite book. Keep these handy in your go to nursing spots as well. 

What New Baby essential or fluff item would you add to this list? Let me know in a comment!

Hopefully you aren’t feeling overwhelmed! With my due date looming in less then 2 months, I just went through the essential list myself. I have everything I need! So I moved on to the “fluff” list – I have most everything on that list, and the few things I don’t aren’t essentials so I’m not going to stress. Last I went through the New Mom comforts. I definitely need to stock up on some snacks, and buy new bras and the other nippe care items. Otherwise I’m good!

The great thing right now is that I can order it all from Diapers.com! With Free shipping on orders over $49, 24/7 customer care, and free 365-day returns -I know I’ll be in good hands. Plus, I just really don’t feel like going to the store, and once our new baby is here, I will definitely be avoiding the store for awhile! What better option than to have everything I need shipped directly to me? 

 

Have you ever taken a moment to truly look into your child’s eyes? I don’t mean a glance at them, while you try to figure out their current stage. I’m talking truly looking at them, watching them, and not saying a single word. The art of Silent Parenting.

I’m trying to look at my children the way I suppose God looks at me. He doesn’t talk to me, He doesn’t yell when I screw up. He just watches.

When the kids become frustrated and wrapped up in their emotions, I tell them to breathe. Maybe it’s time I now took that breath. I need to stop talking and breathe. They don’t always need to hear from me. Sometimes I’m learning they just need to know I see them. To catch me watching them with a smile as they succeed or try something new. Or to see the look of compassion and understanding during a trial, when words may just cause more hurt and self-disappointment.

They need me and their Dad. People who want them to succeed, but won’t berate them when they fall short. They need me to stop talking and just breathe. Don’t close off the lines of communication with your child just because times were hard.

Because you were frustrated.

You needed more sleep.

Because you can’t remember the last time you did exactly what you wanted when you wanted. 

Our children are life. They are souls looking for guidance, love, and compassion. For a shoulder to cry on, and a warm hug that tells them they are safe. They need moments of quiet, for themselves and from you. You need it too. Try it tonight. Turn off the electronics, the radio, and the voice in your head that says you need to say something out loud. Allow silence to enter your home and mind.

Then, when the kids start talking, just listen. Don’t say anything. Listen to their words, their actions, and how they interact with the rest of the family. Get to know your child through your silence. You may be surprised what you learn. 

So breathe. Practice the art of silent parenting and look at them as God looks at you. Don’t say a word. Just breathe. Then, if they let you, put an arm around their shoulder and together breathe. 

Big News around here!

That’s right, Baby #5 will be swinging from our tree come March 2017. I try not to think about a specific due date because then I just get disappointed when it comes and goes and I’m still miserably large, and unable to reach my feet – let alone see my feet. So we’ll stick with the whole month of March as this little one’s due date. 

5 Little Monkeys Swinging In a tree
Teasing Mr Alligator, Can’t Catch Me.
Can’t Catch Me.

You may have been wondering where I’ve been…if you’re a regular. I didn’t mean to take a hiatus, but I don’t ever recall feeling so sick during the last 4 pregnancies. Facebook says otherwise in my “memories”, but I truly feel this has been the worst. On top of the sick feelings, though, I’ve experienced something brand new – depression during pregnancy. I’m used to PPD, but this was new and I didn’t really know how to deal with it.

When those 2 pink lines showed up, I thought I would be happy, but I felt an overwhelming dread at first. What were we thinking? Our “baby” is 4, and will be practically 5 when this little one comes. For some that may not seem like such a big deal, but our current four range from 17months to 2years apart. I can’t even begin to imagine what our family dynamics will be with a new little addition. 

Once I got in to see the doctor and had the pregnancy confirmed, things changed. I have since felt exceedingly more attached to this baby and am dealing with the almost persistent nausea better. Of course, the kids going back to school this week may have helped with that as well. I took a glorious hour nap yesterday morning shortly after putting the girls on the bus. Little Prince was a trooper and curled up next to me to watch Youtube Kids. 

Our good news is out now! Our families are all thrilled, and friends have been wonderfully fantastic and supportive. 

 

Last Saturday I turned 30. The big 3-0. I feel like an adult finally. Maybe that sounds weird, especially since I have 4 kids, and the oldest is turning 10 this year, but I’ve still felt very young. I wanted to do some random acts, so I turned to all of you.

I asked on Facebook for random acts I should do before I turned 30. While I was hoping for many items I had never done before, there were some of course that I have done in my life. The following is the list you all came up for me. 

Write a Letter of Gratitude – My Mother raised me to always write a letter when someone gives you something. While I haven’t done this for awhile (shame on me), I have done it in my life. It’s a good reminder to keep it up, though, so I plan on writing a letter to thank the EMT’s who showed up to help a few weeks ago when Lincoln needed stitches.
Go Mountain Biking – Check! I’ve done this twice in my 30 years. The first when I was 17 had me believe I’d never do it again. The 2nd was a month or so ago, and now I love getting on a bike!
Swim in Lake Michigan – I did this a few weeks after my birthday when we took a camping trip up to the lake. It’s a beautiful lake!!
Walk to Church – I have done this! Many many times.
High Five a Stranger – So as far as memory served, I have never high fived a complete stranger. To take care of that, while grocery shopping Saturday morning, I managed to get a high five from this sweet older man after I helped him find the bread he was looking for.
Kiss a Baseball Bat – It’s random and costs nothing, so why not? Checked that one off the list last week.
Take a Cave Tour – I have taken a cave tour before. I couldn’t tell you exactly where, because I was a kid, and we did lots of cool things. But I have done this. 
Wear a Suit and Tie
Make a Sugar Scrub and let the kids apply it to me
Give Flowers to a Random Mom
Visit another church and ask about their beliefs – As a teen my mom took our seminary group to a Jewish Synagogue. It was a wonderful experience I remember fondly. We also attended another christan church when our friends baby was christened. Then there was one summer my mom signed us up for Vacation Bible School at the local non-denominational church. I recall all of these experiences fondly, and love talking to others about their religion
Play the Alphabet Game in a Grocery Store, using only the front of the packaging – So much fun! We bought only 26 items, and we had to find them in alphabetical order too! You can check out everything we bought on Periscope, just search for me!
Visit 3 new countries via Google
Snail Mail Letters – Again, I grew up snail mailing letters. I snail mailed some bills last week, if that counts…
Get a Pedicure – I have had about 4 in my lifetime. I sure wouldn’t mind getting some more.
Bake Cupcakes with the kids – We love baking! We made brownies this week, but we’ve done cupcakes before.
Try and Keep 30 Balloons off the ground – I was going to do this, but the kids claimed the balloons, and popped them before I could even try.
Visit a Cemetery and find someone with my birthdate – It just so happened that last Monday was Memorial Day, and I did find a headstone with my birthday on it. I silently wished the person a happy birthday. 
Have a Spa Afternoon at home
Play Restaurant with the kids and let them serve me
Sleep an extra Hour – all week long! The kids are out of school, so I took full advantage of sleeping in. 
Sleep an extra 30 minutes – I took a 30 minute nap on the couch. It was beautiful. 
Smell 30 Flowers – OK I haven’t counted, but I love flowers, so I’m pretty sure I’ve smelled at least 30 flowers in my lifetime.
pick 30 dandelions and make a wish – sadly there didn’t seem to be any dandelions left this time of year, but if you follow my IG account, you know I love dandelions! One day I will get 30 all together and make a big wish.
Count 30 stars – Counting stars, another favortie past time. And now I live where I can actually see the stars at night. 
Play board games – Board games are awesome! Check out our families Top 15 favorites
make Cookies and give to a stranger – Half done. We made a muffin mix in a jar, we just need to find a stranger to give it to now.
Take time to myself – Surprisingly enough, despite how busy I am, I do get time to myself. 
Try a new food – for my birthday dinner we made some Carne Picadda. It was really good! 
Enjoy an activity from my childhood – After a not so great afternoon, I took the kids out to Walmart and we splurged on a Badminton set. I loved playing with my siblings, no matter how bad we were at keeping the birdie in the air. We had such a fun evening showing the kids how to play.
Take children out separately
Plan my dream date
Attend the temple – I was unable to attend last week, but I have attended the temple multiple times. For my birthday, we did help clean the church building next to the temple, which I find to be another wonderful way to serve.
Write my testimony in a Book of Mormon and share it with someone – 8th grade Science Teacher. After I was unable to attend our LEGO Robotics meet because it was on a Sunday, and he graciously understood and respected that choice, I felt I could share my faith with him. It turns out he had been baptized many many years ago, but had lost touch with the church. It was such a wonderful year. 
Finish a novel – I finished reading The Outlaw’s Quest: Book 2 in Keeper of the Books Series by Asher Elliot. A Fantastic series you should check out!
Eat favorite treat – in case you ever want to know, my favorite is cheesecake, but I also really like Rollo’s. I had Cheesecake a few weeks ago.
Run through the sprinklers  – check and check. Running through sprinklers is fun! You should all do this, and definitely before you turn 30.
Make something based on ingredients the kids give me
Paint a Picture – not something I did this week, but I have. I need to buy more paints, and then I’ll paint another one. 
Write a letter to my future self – done, will do again.
Make up a Dance Routine – little known fact, I took Ballroom dance in high school. For a competition, my partner and I had to make up our own routine. So yup, check that one off.
Lip Sync, videotape it
Chinese Fire Drill
Roll Down a Hill – growing up on a hill, yeah I’ve done this. It never goes out of style though, so I took the kids, we found a hill, and we all rolled down it together. 

Total Random Acts Accomplished: 31

What Random Acts Have You Done?