Having a baby for the first time is a long journey. You will encounter new experiences throughout pregnancy and it will continue through motherhood. It doesn’t matter how many books you have read, maternity will be like diving in unknown waters.
But there’s nothing to be scared of, as time passes, you get to know your baby and everything will become easier.
However, the first weeks of motherhood will always be the hardest ones. Your lifestyle will change completely and you’ll have to get used to the baby's needs and wants.
We want you to be prepared as a mother. So to help you, we have prepared a list of must-have items for new mothers.
Clothing
Mum’s clothing:
Before thinking about what the baby needs, think about the clothes that you’ll need. Remember that you’re the one that is taking care of a new life. Your comfort and well-being are crucial to be able to do this task in the best possible way.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Maternity bras: This is an essential item and we recommend that you purchase two or three of them. They’re ideal for breastfeeding.
- Tights: But not regular ones. Maternity tights will give you extra support for your belly. It will be useful during the pregnancy and after giving birth.
- Breast pads: This is one of the greatest inventions for mums. By using them, you will avoid the uncomfortable feeling that you get when you have milk leakage.
- Breastfeeding dresses: This type of clothing will make your life easier when you choose to breastfeed. There are tons of comfortable shirts, dresses and sweaters in the market.
- Nursing clothing: This will be a lifesaver during pregnancy. These clothes stretch easily and will have enough room for any weight gain.
Baby’s clothing:
Now that you know what you have to purchase for yourself, you can focus on your baby’s clothes. Let’s be clear about this, do not buy a lot of clothes for the first months. This will be an extreme waste of money. Babies do grow very quickly in the first months of life and will outgrow all of the clothes that you buy.
Instead, keep it simple. We recommend purchasing the basics:
- One-piece outfit
- Stretchy pants
- Shirts
- Bodysuits
- Socks
- Outer layers (sweaters, hoodies or jackets)
- Beanies
- Mittens
Feeding
Feeding your baby will always be a special moment. This is especially true if you choose to breastfeeding them.
First, we will list the products that you’ll need for breastfeeding. After that, you’ll find the list of the items that you’ll need if you’re using formula milk.
Breastfeeding items:
- A breast pump will be your best friend when you’re planning on going out. Pumping your milk will prevent leaks and will assure you that your baby will have food.
- Bibs
- Nipple cream is for mum’s use. It helps with keeping the nipples moisturised and healthy.
- Breastmilk storage bags
Formula feeding items:
- Feeding bottles will work perfectly for daily formula feeding. Keep five to six bottles handy.
- Bottle steriliser is a necessary product. You just need to add some water, set the baby bottles in there and put it in the microwave.
- Bottle brushes are not mandatory, but it will definitely make the cleaning task simpler.
- Bibs
- Formula
Safety
As a mother, the safety of your child will always be important to you. However, the first few months will be important. You don’t have to make extreme changes to your house. Just by using safety products in strategic places, you’ll be ready to let your baby free. When they start to crawl, you will have to be more careful with the items that are within their reach.
- Baby monitor: I’ll say that this is a must-have product. It will help you know if your baby is doing fine while you’re in another room.
- Safety gates: This will prevent your baby from entering dangerous places like the kitchen or bathroom.
- Plug protectors: This will avoid your child from getting electrocuted by power outlets.
Health
Taking care of your baby’s health is truly important. Simple tasks such as bathing, nail trimming and checking their temperature are vital. Hence, you will need to purchase these items:
- Thermometer
- Cotton tips
- Nail clippers
- Baby bathtub
Conclusion
The health and well-being of the baby depend entirely on you and your spouse. Also, bear in mind that you need to take care of yourself as well. Do not neglect self-care because if you do, you will not be able to take care of your child properly. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you have willing family members or friends.
