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Nothing is more exciting or overwhelming than becoming a new parent. It’s life changing in more ways than you can understand until you experience it.
I can still remember the first visit we made to Target to start our Baby Registry in 2009. After signing up at Guest Services, we were handed a scanner as well as a “new baby” packet that included a list of recommended baby items. It was almost overwhelming. Thankfully, we had the advice of a few friends to guide us.
In the past 7 years, I’ve learned a lot about what we’ve really needed and what is more an extra. Planning your own registry or needing a baby shower gift for someone special? Here are a few of my favorite “must have” items for a new mom and why …
Muslin Swaddling Blankets – this was one of my discoveries the second time around and not until we were past the swaddling phase. They are the most amazing, versatile blankets though and go beyond swaddling – perfect for an impromptu changing mat or burp cloth, a nursing cover, shading a baby sleeping in their stroller, a playmat, etc. My youngest is nearly 18 months and I still keep one in my diaper bag.
Playtex Nurser with Drop-Ins Liners – a bottle or two are a must no matter how a new mom plans to feed her baby. The drop-in liners are easy to fill with either formula or breastmilk and gently collapse as baby drinks to prevent air from mixing with the milk and causing gassiness later. Also, they simulate the same suck, swallow and breathing patterns as breastfeeding which makes it easier for nursing babies to make that switch back and forth between mom and bottle.
Lanolin – a definite must have for any new mom that is nursing. Lanolin helps gently soothe nipples during those early days and is safe for baby.
Small Spiral Notebook – I have one of these for each of my kids. I use them to write down any developmental milestones such as when they got their first tooth or what words they could say at age 15 months; questions for my pediatrician; notes during pediatrician appointments (because “mommy brain” is real and I’m liable to forget something important as soon as we walk out the door); and, so important, record all those symptoms and any medications when they are sick. The small size is perfect to stash in a diaper bag or purse to easily carry to their appointments or have on hand whenever needed.
Tumbler with Straw – perfect for keeping water for mom handy in the nursery. New moms need a lot of water in the early days whether nursing or just helping their body to heal. It’s also easy to take on the go whether that’s in the car or taking the stroller out for a walk.
TIP: I found the fun pink one pictured in the See Spot Save section at Target for just $3!
Diaper Genie Complete plus an extra refill – we were gifted a Diaper Genie when I was pregnant with my son. One of our friends bought it for us off our Baby Registry. It’s nearly 7 years old, still works great and in the nursery right beside the changing table. It’s perfect for diaper changes at any time, but especially in the middle of the night. Just use the foot pedal to open the lid on top, drop in soiled diaper, and release pedal. It’s that simple.
Plastic Bin – another See Spot Save find. It’s perfect for use as a gift basket and will be helpful in organizing the nursery for the new mom later!
How to recreate this gift yourself:
- Remove 2 muslin swaddling blankets from packaging and stick through Diaper Genie refill. Place into plastic bin on left side.
- Place 1 Playtex Nurser with Drop-Ins Liners 8oz bottle in back right side.
- Add tumbler at front right.
- Fill in with small spiral notebook
- and tube of lanolin.
- Add a large bow to the top of the Diaper Genie Complete.
Your creation is complete and ready to gift!
What is your favorite “must have” for a new mom and baby?
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