“What are the must-haves for new parents?”
“What are the items you have used the most?”
“What do you not need?”
I’ve been asked these questions a lot lately as friends are getting ready to have their first children. Now with my second baby, I’m re-using a lot of things and wondering, myself, what I should keep for my future nieces and newphews and what I should pass on.
Some things I use everyday:
– Boppy Pillow (I consider this a must-have)
– Aquarium Take-along swing (loved by both kids)
– Cloth diapers (the thick, pre-fold variety)
– Good nursing bras
As kids get older:
– Robeez shoes
– Beyond Play toys and art supplies
– Toilet seat trainer
– Blocks, legos, music toys
Things that weren’t used/didn’t get:
– Baby carrier (Will hated it; Kate seems to be okay with it)
– Baby bath tub (we wash the kids in the sink)
– Crib toys/mobiles
Any moms out there have other suggestions I can pass on to new moms??
Amy Lee | 10-Aug-06 at 5:51 am | Permalink
What about the Baby Bumbo seat? With Kate and Clare, it looks like a necessity. Also, a good breast pump is vital, isn’t it? We did break down and get a Baby Bjorn from eBay, but that was Daddy’s one splurge. I think that one of Kevin’s “visions” is to take his son to a Friday night high school football game strapped in the carrier…Otherwise, I can happily report check marks next to all the items (except the aquarium swing)…Aunt Amy
Jennifer | 10-Aug-06 at 5:52 am | Permalink
Hey Holly – Love your blog! I get here from Gwen’s. (Commented once before about breastfeeding.)
I would suggest that a GOOD breast pump is a must have for any mother that plans to go back to work and continue breastfeeding. I used the medela advanced pump in style and would highly recommend it. Yes, it is expensive, but in my opinion, worth the money.
I was wondering if you could recommend any books on toddler discipline? I loved your earlier post about the seminar you attended. My child, Alex, is almost 15 months, and I can see that my husband and I are going to need to start thinking about adopting a discipline approach.
Thanks, Jennifer Olmert
Holly | 10-Aug-06 at 5:56 am | Permalink
Thanks, Amy and Jennifer!
YES — I should have mentioned a good breastpump! I also use the Medela Pump-in-Style. In fact, with Will, I used it 6 hours a day for about 3 months while he slowly learned to nurse (we had every nursing problem in the book).
We’ve started using the Bumbo with Kate, but didn’t have one (did they exist?) with Will. We like it so far!
Gwen | 10-Aug-06 at 6:08 am | Permalink
1. medela pump in style. i really think that if you are serious about breastfeeding you have to have backup support every so often and relief.
2. bumbo baby sitter. we don’t use it much anymore, but for a period there it was a lifesaver. plus, it really cuts back on the amount of time that kids spend on their backs and reduces the chances of the flat head syndrome.
Amy Lee | 10-Aug-06 at 7:54 am | Permalink
I just thought of another item….Boudreaux’s Butt Paste…
eli | 10-Aug-06 at 9:07 am | Permalink
This will be very helpful in a few months! I was going to ask what you recommended and what you warned against.
Holly | 10-Aug-06 at 2:58 pm | Permalink
I love Butt Paste. Although for diaper rashes, NOTHING beats Desitin.
Will’s rump is pretty sensitive and rashes easily — so we always use some type of paste. Every time, every change!
Holly | 10-Aug-06 at 3:00 pm | Permalink
Jennifer: I wanted to thank you, again, for your breastfeeding comments. They were really helpful in the beginning when I was feeling so disappointed about having nursing problems (again!) It always means a lot to hear positive comments from other parents.
I’ll post Dr. Blackwell’s reading suggestions in a separate post — she did have some recommendations and I’m happy to pass them along!