things you wish you bought

ladylisalt · July 2014

Once you got home with baby what are some items,things you which you bought beforehand? Whether they were for baby, you,etc. Trying to prepare...

giggler25 · July 2014

I didn't have enough easy access nursing tops or pajamas. Also only knew thanks to a friend to have the following:
- extra absorant pads
- witch hazel wipes
- dermoplast spray
- nursing pads

For baby, as long as you have plenty of diapers and wipes you should be fine.

kweaver123 · July 2014

I second the witch hazel pads and extra absorbent pads. With my first I didn't know id need them until I left the hospital and had to send my husband out for them. Also if you are having a boy and plan to circumcise then have Vaseline to put on the circumcision. The hospital sent us hime with some but wasn't enough.

Myanswer true · July 2014

Definitely more nursing tops/ bras. my baby is a messy eater, and I wind up covered in milk all the time.

bumpuser8967176 · July 2014

We ended up running out to buy a bunch of front-button-down onesies/rompers for quicker night changes and also bought some sleep sacks, which were great for our little guy. He loved hands-free swaddling, so I returned a bunch of regular swaddles. I also love the boppy pillow for nursing. Worth the $$$!

jannzone · July 2014

definitly also needed a decent nursing bra, its good to try it out before youll need it, i got one that is just annoying to use while BF in public

raebee18 · July 2014

Hot and cold packs! I had an unplanned c-section and they were awesome for the pain as well as for my engorgement issues once my milk came in. I also had some in the delivery and they helped me deal with the 15 hours of back labor I had prior to the epidural and c-section.

Hanalei8910 · July 2014

I sent my mom out to get me nursing bras and nursing tank tops!! They are soo handy!! The boppy is awesome!! I am breastfeeding... and holy sore nipples, is it painful for the first week or so!! I used a ton of nipple cream and got some soothing gel pads that you stick in the freezer and it was nice to put them between my bra and tank top after feeding! I asked the nurse for more witch hazel wipes, pads, and dermoplast before I was checked out and she gave them to me!

Also, while your in the hospital, as much as you want your baby to stay in the room with you at night, take advantage of the nursery while you can!! The first night I kept my son in the room with me, and barely got any sleep... The next several nights (he had jaundice so we had to stay for 4 nights) I sent him to the nursery. They would bring him in every two hours so I could feed him, but I was at least able to go back to sleep in between feedings! By the time we left the hospital, I felt completely rested and felt better prepared to be up with him at night when we got home!! Good luck!!!

spartybride3 · July 2014

More burb cloths. Also buy a woombie (we tried a swaddle pod and our baby hated it). We just got the woombie this week on the recommendation of my SIL & the baby is sleeping in 8-10 hour stretches through the night as opposed to 4-5. It's been a lifesaver. Don't (obviously) do this when the baby is only a couple weeks old because they need to eat more frequently. My SIL started it at 6 weeks & we started at 11 weeks.

Mimaloo · July 2014

Baby pajamas with zippers as opposed to all those snaps. Got some at Target and Baby Gap and it made a world of difference.

ladylisalt · July 2014

Mimaloo said:

Baby pajamas with zippers as opposed to all those snaps. Got some at Target and Baby Gap and it made a world of difference.

I am so glad you said this. I had those snap ones with my son and now that I will have 2 kids I def. need to keep this in mind! Thanks

Emmagk · July 2014

A different car seat. I hate the one we have but it's the only one that fits the stroller so we are stuck with it for now. As soon as DS can sit in the stroller we will be ditching the bucket seat for a convertable. If we have another one in future we will be spending more time choosing an infant seat

DBonfante · July 2014

Mimaloo said:
Baby pajamas with zippers as opposed to all those snaps. Got some at Target and Baby Gap and it made a world of difference.

This and wearable blankets. I think I swaddled Ds for about 5 days haha.

SGC29 · July 2014

After we brought our first child home I realized there were a few things missing. We ended up running out over the course of the next week and picking up:

- Electric breast pump (I had a manual pump to begin with, was a total waste for me)

- Swaddle Me blankets (the receiving blankets were too easy for her to bust out of and she could only sleep tightly and securely swaddled)

- A "wet bowl" for the sink. Since I ended up needing to pump a lot the first week home due to some cracking and additional pain I had, we had pump parts and bottle parts in constant rotation. In one side of our sink we kept a large stainless steel bowl filled with warm water and Dapple that we would drop all parts into until we could do a handwash. It gave the parts a "safe" place to go that wasn't in with our other dishes. I always worry about cross contamination so as odd as this may sound, it helped keep things additionally clean

- Shit tons of nipple cream and soothing gel pads (see above)

SGC29 · July 2014

Also night gowns for baby. They made late night diaper changes so much easier. Just lift and change.

ladylisalt · July 2014

SGC29 said:

After we brought our first child home I realized there were a few things missing. We ended up running out over the course of the next week and picking up:

- Electric breast pump (I had a manual pump to begin with, was a total waste for me)
- Swaddle Me blankets (the receiving blankets were too easy for her to bust out of and she could only sleep tightly and securely swaddled)
- A "wet bowl" for the sink. Since I ended up needing to pump a lot the first week home due to some cracking and additional pain I had, we had pump parts and bottle parts in constant rotation. In one side of our sink we kept a large stainless steel bowl filled with warm water and Dapple that we would drop all parts into until we could do a handwash. It gave the parts a "safe" place to go that wasn't in with our other dishes. I always worry about cross contamination so as odd as this may sound, it helped keep things additionally clean
- Shit tons of nipple cream and soothing gel pads (see above)

Thanks. Good idea on the wet bowl

frasey · July 2014

2459485 receiving blankets, and I second zip-up sleepers only. Target has ones that zip from the bottom so they don't have to be totally undone for a diaper change. Also, get NB and 0-3 mo stuff, you never know what size they will be!

JAB829 · July 2014

Formula! I had planned to breastfeed so it didn't occur to me to buy formula and the baby water. I wasn't able to breastfeed my baby in the hospital and was pumping, but not getting much at all those first 4-5 days. He was getting mostly formula in the hospital. Suddenly we got home and realized we weren't really prepared to feed him! We had some formula the hospital gave us and luckily I had gotten a free sample pack of Similac in the mail so we had enough for that first night. Had to run out the next day to get more formula and water.

Snowflake312 · August 2014

The only thing I didn't have was newborn sleepers. For some reason everyone told me just to use 0-3 month old clothing, but my nearly 8 lb baby was swimming in those. Definitely get the ones that zip, not snap.

So glad I had soothies, lanolin, boppy, breastpump (for relief from engorgement), Target nursing tanks to wear around the house, and Target cotton nursing bras to sleep in. Don't forget pads with wings. Also an extra changing pad cover and Carters flannel lap pads (amazon) to use on top for messy diaper changes were super handy.

nicolewhelan · August 2014

If you have a boy, get some gauze and vasoline. We went home with what we thought was enough from the hospital, nope! You need vasoline anyways for the rectal thermometer (get one of those too!! LO gets so warm sometimes we wonder if he has a temp or not, so we've used our Vick's rectal thermometer quite a few times, and it's great, that was a huge fear of mine (hurting him)).

Rubbing alcohol and cotton balls for belly button.

Definitely the boppy like someone else mentioned and the tub for washing stuff (we took ours from the hospital).

Pads. Don't buy all super thick absorbency ones, buy ones that are a little thicker than a panty liner. You only need the super thick ones for like the first 2 weeks. (take as many as you can from the hospital too).

Take everything you can from the hospital honestly!! Our nurses were awesome and gave us tons of stuff!

DH wanted a changing station for downstairs. We have resorted to just a changing pad on the ground versus going up and down stairs. Definitely makes it easier because LO pee's ALL the time!!!!!!! We are going through a lot of diapers!

QT3.14 · August 2014

-NB diapers - we had a ton of size 1 but not nearly enough NB. We used 200-250 NB diapers. She was 6 lbs 13 oz at birth if that helps.

-Rubbing alcohol for her belly button

-Gas drops - someone gave us some at my shower but I never would have thought to buy it or register for it. Gripe water is good too but it is not recommended before 2 weeks old. Gas drops can be used even earlier but call your ped first.

-If you plan to pump I recommend buying at least one extra set of shields, flanges, and bottles otherwise you will be washing parts all the time.

junismum · August 2014

Wow, that was all really useful! Thanks so much for posting (and for starting the post).

coco62014 · August 2014

cloth diapers for burp cloths
gas drops because when you need them, you need them!
gerber side snap kimono shirts that don't rub the belly button
NB diapers, save receipt just in case
a few bottles (just in case)
depends silhouette were the perfect post c-section underwear/pads!

ladylisalt · August 2014

coco62014 said:

cloth diapers for burp cloths
gas drops because when you need them, you need them!
gerber side snap kimono shirts that don't rub the belly button
NB diapers, save receipt just in case
a few bottles (just in case)
depends silhouette were the perfect post c-section underwear/pads!

Just curious with the gas drops, would you give them that early on? My son ended up needing them but they weren't recommended right away.

nicolewhelan · August 2014

We started gripe water for gas right at 2 weeks which is the min age on the bottle according to the dosage. We give him half the amount it says. Just the tiniest bit and he is so content. Love me some gripe water!!!

coffee89 · August 2014

I didn't want to buy A&A blankets because of the price but ended up getting a pack at target in his second week. We don't use them to swaddle as LO breaks out of them but they are great blankets for the carseat or wrapping him in when we are holding him. Also works good as a second swaddle over the swaddleme's if it is extra cold.

We went to arms free swaddling by week 2 because LO was breaking out of everything but at week 4 we reintroduced a full swaddle with swaddleme's. It made a huge difference in how long he was sleeping.

A vibrating bouncer type chair. LO HATED his swing for the first month and holding him all the time was terrible. My parents gave us a chair for him that vibrates and he would nap and happily play in it for hours.

NB pants. I had a small assortment of onsies people had given me that he outgrew in the first week but he couldn't wear any pants. At 7 weeks he is still in NB pants comfortably despite being in 0-3 onsies.

More of the sleeper gowns. They make middle of the night diaper changes much easier than the snap down leg kind. Especially for my DH who can't seem to ever line up the snaps right.

I ended up with a C-section and wasn't prepared with underwear that sat high enough off my incision those first few weeks.

A changing area in every part of the house. For us this means that there are a drawer with a few diapers and wipes in the living room because the changing table is on another floor.

a baby carrier. I thought I wouldn't need one until LO got bigger but after two days of fussiness with him wanted to be held constantly led me to order a mai tei. It lets me get some chores done and run errands while he naps on my chest like he wants.

Morgieloo · August 2014

Smaller clothes. DD was 7lb6oz but still too small for lots of newborn clothes.

My brest friend pillow. I hate the Boppy but the Brest friend pillow was a lifesaver when it was hard to get latch right.

Gripe water. Pedi said okay to give half dose at 4 days old and just a drop or two would calm DD down. We call it her happy juice.

An extra changing pad cover. Munchkin and Carter's sell lap pads that are awesome for blowouts on the table. DD loves to poop and pee after I take diaper off on changing table.

Formula. We had to supplement and didn't have any.

jenniferurs · August 2014

I wish I had more nursing appropriate clothing.

And we went out and got a wipe warmer. I was told they were unnecessary, so I didn't purchase one beforehand, but man does my LO hate cold wipes. Changes have been a lot more pleasant since we introduced the warmer into the mix.

ladylisalt · August 2014

jenniferurs said:

I wish I had more nursing appropriate clothing. And we went out and got a wipe warmer. I was told they were unnecessary, so I didn't purchase one beforehand, but man does my LO hate cold wipes. Changes have been a lot more pleasant since we introduced the warmer into the mix.

I hear you. I am afraid to buy too much nursing clothing in advance. I didn't bf my son for long due to trouble feeding,etc. I am hoping I have a better experience this time but sort of want to wait on purchases.

chelseaandallen · October 2014

I agree on the Depends instead of wearing pads. Who wants to deal with overngiht leakage?!?!?!?!?

mikrinikki · October 2014

My lo was 8 lb 11 oz and 22 in..newborn clothes did not fit from the beginning...I wish I hadnt taken the tags off and washed everything.

Boppy- awesome.
Bouncer- awesome.
Dipes and wipes- yes, make sure to get newborn ones for the first two weeks (200) and enough 1's for a month (300ish).
Extra pump bottles and equipment-nice to have
A gazillion receiving blankets- once milk, spit up, snot, etc gets on it...they start to stink and need to be washed
Footed pajamas for lo- get plenty!
Nursing tanks- helpful at home and no need to wear a bra

Sweats and first trimester maternity pants- still wont fit in old pants

Daisy1232 · October 2014

All the above and I'll add a hands free pumping bra! Holding the flanges on while pumping just makes you focus on the discomfort, when you're hands free you can bump and check fb and be distracted!

kearls227 · October 2014

I second the big granny panties if you have a c section. Honestly, I took all the mesh disposable panties from my hospital room. They are great because they don't bother the incision and if you happen to leak, they go straight to the trash anyways! No ruining your own undies.

I had gotten only one pack of newborn diapers (my LO was measuring pretty big on US so we weren't sure what to expect). But definitely went through at least 2 cases of NB. At 8 lb 4 oz he was also swimming in 0-3 month clothes and fit into NB for almost a month. I had limited NB clothes so we rotated the same few outfits lol. The nightgowns mentioned in a PP are also a great idea for nighttime changes. I didn't have any but wished I did!

You'll want plenty of comfy lounge wear and nursing tops! Don't plan on fitting into pre pregnancy pants immediately. It will take at least a few weeks to months for most (normal and human) people. Lol!

tbarker14 · October 2014

Nursing tops, and bras! I didn't have very much and had to go out and buy some more!
(I Waited until I flew down to visit family so I could hit the malls to stock up on more nursing tops and bras)

Maynard92014 · November 2014

The LC got me hooked on the gel cooling pads for the first few weeks of breast feeding. Cut them in fourths as you only ned them over the nipple.

Dani0329 · November 2014

I second newborn pants. We were gifted with tons of onesies, but the only pants we had were print to match whatever outfit they went with and we needed something to keep her legs warm with everything else.

We have two boppy pillows on accident, but I'm glad we do bc one stays upstairs and one downstairs.

We have two changing pad covers, I wish we had more bc she likes to pee and poop when we are mid-change.

I wish we would have had nightlights I could push on/off for MOTN feedings.

cornflwr33 · November 2014

I'll add to this list as well!

Things I didn't have... or have enough of..

cotton balls and alcohol for the cord (i didn't think of it... plus it didn't help that LO came a week early and I was still working)
Nursing bras/ tanks (i only had 1 )
Pants that fit above my c section incision (i wore hubbys pj pants for about 2 weeks)
More newborn clothes, I didn't have enough..... went to the local thrift store that sold clothes for $1/pound and picked some up
meals ready to go when you got home, I didn't have much help aside from hubby and it was overwhelming.... i was on a weight limit and healing from a c section... would have been great to have meals all set up

Things I had that I now see I couldn't live without

BOPPY! that was alife saver, it helped with my incision and breast feeding...
the sleep sacks for LO... was so nice to be able to change a diaper and not undress LO
nursing pads

things you wish you bought

Re: things you wish you bought

Choose Another Board

Search Boards