What do I NEED for first couple weeks?

SomersIsles · February 2014

Every now and again I panic and think I've procrastinated too much... Add insomnia and I can't settle down. So perhaps some experienced moms, and insightful FTMs, can give me some feedback....

Just to make sure I survive the first 2 weeks at home... What should I make sure I have and is done...

I'm thinking NECESSITIES... Like the stuff that, if at 2 in the morning with a crying baby, I'm not like "oh shit I can't believe I forgot to do that"

- Bassinet set up in bedroom
- Bassinet sheets
- Newborn outfits & 0-3 outfits incase I give birth to a fatty

- Diapers & wipes
- Breastfeeding stuff (lanolin, nursing bras, leak pads, ??)
- Car seats installed
- Kitchen stocked for me and DH
- Bath supplies for when belly button heals (tub, baby wash, cloths, water thermometer, towels)
- Pediatrician set up

What else??

BrideNamedMeg · February 2014

That all sounds good to me. Maybe have some formula/bottles on hand just in case? My DD needed expressed milk to help her latch for the first couple of weeks, I was lucky enough to be able to pump but I would have used formula just to get her going if I needed to.

ntdane · February 2014

Your list looks pretty good. A couple of things you don't have on there are gas drops and gripe water. Some would debate the effectiveness, especially of gas drops, but if you have a fussy baby that won't stop crying it may be worth it to have some on hand to try, jic.

SomersIsles · February 2014

Oh and I guess I should add postpartum toiletries like tucks pads, reg pads, perenial bottles, etc...

lb1117 · February 2014

You're list is pretty good.

The only thing we needed that we didn't have was gripe water for hiccups. I definitely suggest that.

Oh, and lots of receiving blankets.

LaurenAsh23 · February 2014

bunnyfungo said:
Am I the only one that doesn't really dress their newborn? I never did with DD1 because she was a summer baby and spit up every 5 mins anyway. And with DD2 she's always just wrapped in a blanket or in a swaddler. I she's worn clothes twice and that was only because we had to leave the house.

That's kinda my plan too...onesies and swaddled most the time unless we're going somewhere.

benevolentforce · February 2014

bunnyfungo said:
Am I the only one that doesn't really dress their newborn? I never did with DD1 because she was a summer baby and spit up every 5 mins anyway. And with DD2 she's always just wrapped in a blanket or in a swaddler. I she's worn clothes twice and that was only because we had to leave the house.

This makes me feel a lot better about my limited selection of infant clothing.

Also, I'm just a FTM, but I stocked up on baby and breastfeeding friendly meds. Won't give or take anything without first consulting a doc (we are generally a med-free household), but also don't want to get stuck in the middle of the night without the right meds and a high fever or a severe allergic reaction.

*Edited because of auto correct.

SomersIsles · February 2014

lb1117 said:
You're list is pretty good.

The only thing we needed that we didn't have was gripe water for hiccups. I definitely suggest that.

Oh, and lots of receiving blankets.

I have about 15 receiving blankets from my shower and hand me downs. I know they're great for swaddling... Maybe even burp cloths... Light blankets... What else do people use them for?

lb1117 · February 2014

SomersIsles said:

You're list is pretty good. The only thing we needed that we didn't have was gripe water for hiccups. I definitely suggest that. Oh, and lots of receiving blankets.
I have about 15 receiving blankets from my shower and hand me downs. I know they're great for swaddling... Maybe even burp cloths... Light blankets... What else do people use them for?

He is tiny so we had to roll up 4 of them in his car seat. When you only have 6 to begin with, you end up running out fast from spit up etc. We went and bought designated car seat ones for our sanity. Plus we can leave them in there which makes the car seat less stressful on mom and baby.

jennbaylor12 · February 2014

Great post, I'm trying to make my list as well! What is gripe water?

lb1117 · February 2014

jennbaylor12 said:

Great post, I'm trying to make my list as well! What is gripe water?

It's natural and relieves hiccups fast. If they bother him, I dip his pacifier in it for relief

jennbaylor12 · February 2014

lb1117 said:

jennbaylor12 said:

Great post, I'm trying to make my list as well! What is gripe water?

It's natural and relieves hiccups fast. If they bother him, I dip his pacifier in it for relief

Ah! This baby hiccups like crazy so I may need that once he's on the outside - Thanks!

clo1982 · February 2014

Colace, motrin (or another OTC painreliever that your dr rec's), pads, pacifiers if you plan to use them...or are even open to it. Also I second the bottles and maybe a small container of formula. Even if you don't plan to use it, it's nice to have it there just in case it is needed. I wouldn't get a huge tub or anything, but just something as a fall back. Burp cloths or receiving blankets, both can work to keep you from getting spit on. If you are packing a diaper bag ahead of time don't forget an extra shirt for yourself. It's a big kick in the pants to get somewhere and have baby spit up all over you..chances are you will have extra clothing for them, but it's important to have something for you too!

Oh and equally important.... Beer and wine in the fridge chilling!

ndpoole · February 2014

As PP have said receiving blankets, kimono Tshirts, newborn pants or leg warmers, and infant bottles. I didn't think I would need more than 5-6 receiving blankets, but in 5 days we went through 26!! We use them for everything - swaddling, blankets, seat leveling, last minute breast pump cover, quick changing cloth, etc. We were also happy that our hospital just gave us 10 receiving blankets on our way out. If you are having a boy and choose to have him circumcised, get a small jar of Vaseline to put near changing table. I'm finding that the Kimono style Tshirts are great in terms of ease of changing and they will allow the umbilical cord to heal with out rubbing up against the stump. I also realized that I haven't used the sleep sacks yet because I keep him in the kimono Tshirts, so having 1-2 newborn size pants or leg warmers and socks is a good idea especially if you live in an area where the temps can range from 30-54 degrees on any given day. Finally I agree with having bottles on hand for those "just in case" moments like (1).you have to go to a doctors appt and (2). they are running behind and (3). the baby can't come but, you're supposed to feed him every 2 hours!

akflutterby · February 2014

I feel even more unprepared now, and as a TTM I can't believe I never thought to have a change of shirt for me in the diaper bag or those kimono shirts. I think you've got a good handle on things. I'm totally going to model my list after yours

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