Newborn: items to buy to make life easier

[Anoushka1986]

Hi all,

I have an (almost) 3 week old and am dreading my partner going back to work next week. I'm using the rare moment of baby sleeping to order online things which may make my life easier next week and was wondering if anyone had any favourite items that they found helped make life easier with their newborn. Examples I've thought of already are sling, hands free breast pump bra, anything else that people have found really useful?

Flask to keep your tea or coffee hot

Baby Bjorn bouncer - my newborn was in it all the time. And a bouncer in the bathroom so you can shower go to the toilet. (I got both very cheaply second hand).

Netflix.

Nappy change kit in the living room so you aren't constantly going upstairs (if you have stairs).

Travel type / bamboo cups to minimise spills
White noise machine/ slumber pet that has this function
Extra basics ie sleepsuits and vests
Tonnes of nappies and wipes incase you can’t get out quickly
Night light plug in
Swaddling wrap
Snacks juice
Essential medical supplies calpol saline nasal spray snuffle babes vicks stuff parsons powder

I quite like going upstairs to change, my life is that dull

I just have stuff to put baby down everywhere. Play mats upstairs and down, bouncer or swing in bathroom, kitchen and utility. This means you can do all the jobs round the house without having to hold baby constantly.

I'd recommend an audible subscription so you can listen to books when out on walks or in the early hours

Highly recommend getting a sling, so you can do things hands free. A baby swing?

Are you thinking of stuff for now or in a couple of months time?

Now- realistically, baby wants to be sat on you so anything that makes you feel comfy. Nursing cushion, blankets for the sofa, Netflix, lots of chocolate. If you're bottle feeding and don't have a perfect prep, get one and get an extra for the bedroom! If you're breastfeeding, I would have a double of bottles of readymade formula in the house and bottles, just in case you REALLY need sleep. Oh and a haakaa pump if you don't have one already. They're magic!

If you're talking over the next couple of months- a star projector works brilliantly for us, something that plays white noise, and s few comforters to rotate so it's not a problem if one is lost! A few mums I know and I have had success with bath chairs (like the angel care style) as seats when the bouncer isn't acceptable. And a bag that's not big enough to carry your life in, just big enough for the essentials. You soon get over the giant changing bag!

A sling. Baby wants to be near you all the time so a sling is great. You can get jobs done and baby can nap while being near you. Also, look up the benefits of baby wearing. Good luck and enjoy 👍

A netflix subscription! Ive got a 3 week old too (my 2nd child) and its good having stuff to watch when you are spending loads of time sat feeding a baby. Comfortable cushion or pillow. A sling so you can use both hands.

Loads of nice snacks, fruit and easy to prepare food.

Seriously, enjoy it. I remember crying (I'm blaming hormones) at the front door and literally begging DH not to leave me, but it was fine and once I got into the swing of it, I loved it. Just take it easy and chill on the sofa with bubs.

Extra bouncy chair we have 2 so I can get ready once I've got baby ready nappys wipes ect upstairs and down and pram changing bag always ready for the next day that's what I done with my other dc due no 3 in 5 weeks Im always fine as long as I can get outside with the pram for walks and meeting up with friends/family or just a nice lunch out with dp my dp has 2 weeks paternity I'm always glad when he goes back poor guy

Nipple cream and nipple shields.
Sheepskin fleece.
Gap socks are the only ones that stay on.
A very relaxed attitude to timekeeping and routines.

Following this link as some great ideas here!

A nice big coat you can fit around your sling so you can go out for a little walk or into the garden

A recliner seat thing for in the bath, meant I could bath them hands free without having to worry about dropping the slippy buggers :o

Fold up change mat and a big cosmetic bag so I could chuck the changing guff into my rucksack rather than faffing with a specific change bag.