Hints and Tips for DC1

[babyarz]

Hi all,
I am 30 + 5 days pregnant with my 1st and having a few moments to myself to think about what I need for DC. I have the "normal" things like Moses basket, clothes, pram etc. But is there anything that isn't on a "normal" list that people had which made their lives that little bit easier or any hints or tips they would like to pass on for 1st DC.
Any help would be much appreciated!

Download a white noise app on your phone or get s machine

I found the Glow Baby App really useful. You can track feeds and nappy changes amongst other things which helped me keep track when my head was foggy from sleep deprivation.

Stocking up on essentials - household items and food cupboard stuff. Means you don’t have to worry about going out when you run out of something.

Extra large muslin cloths were great for using as a blanket (especially in this hot weather) and cleaning sick.

Thank you for your tips!! xx

Do some batch cooking and freeze portions. You will be able to eat a decent meal when you are too tired to cook.

2 Moses basket stands. We had the Moses basket upstairs. But had the second stand downstairs to put the pram cot bit in for during the day. Saved carting stuff up and down stairs specially when I'd had a section.

Muslin. Lots and lots of muslin. More than u think you need and a few extra. We went through tons of them on a daily basis.

Lots of muslins
Get yourself an insulated cup so you can have hot drinks
Sign for the front door asking people not to knock etc v helpful to get rid of neighbour deliveries
Have two changing "stations" one upstairs one downstairs
White noise app
If you can't batch cook get stocked up on frozen ready meal lasagne/ cottage pie Pizza etc and also finger food snacks when juggling a Velcro baby and your starving - all well and good for people to say eat health home cooked meals but when your dying on 2 hours sleep anything will do
Download a timer app so if you have to give medicine to the baby you set a timer for the next set - that way you know you have done it and when next dose is due - v helpful when sleep deprived
Try to get out for a walk each day and shower you'll feel more human
If you have a home phone silence it - Murphy's law it will ring just as you get baby to sleep
If you formula feed get more bottles than you think you need ask people to buy them as gifts makes life easier if you're not constantly washing and sterilising them
Buy some dummies even if you don't intend to use them always good to have a back up
Same applies to formula if you want to BF just get some formula as a back up for hospital and home - it's just a fail safe especially if you need it and DH is the only one around to get it
Get your online grocery deliveries booked if you can you can then just add/remove pre deliveries
If you're going to use water wipes go on Amazon they have the best deals
Use MN for tips there are many many wise ladies on here who can help when you feel you need it
Big pants post delivery

Most of all be kind to yourself first baby is a massive shock everyone reacts differently do what feels right to you - good luck

The thing that makes your life easiest with a baby - which I discovered by having 2 in quick succession, is very difficult for you to have with your first, and that's enough experience not to get neurotic. To know it's (really!) not a big deal when they fall off the sofa, to know they can be left to cry for a bit and it won't cause them serious and long standing attachment issues, to know that although there are minor benefits to breastfeeding in a developed nation it's really not worth killing yourself over if you are having a super hard time with it, to know that your child will be fine if you have them with you 24/7 (if you like) and equally fine if you foist them on their grandparents or a nursery 40hrs a week, to know that if you want to have them on a strict routine so they sleep through quicker that's great, but equally if you prefer to be relaxed about things and just make them fit in to your own life that's also fine.

If you're missing any bits and bobs, just have a little fund for "stuff I forgot" and get amazon prime. First couple of months with a baby you'll keep ordering stuff for next day - some of it will end up being pointless but you don't know till you try - you realise that you don't have enough muslins and sleep sacks because they're all covered in pee/poo/sick and order it to come tomorrow etc. Actually if there's anything you need it's that - more muslins, more sleep sacks. You have loads already you say? Nope... get more.

A Morrck hoody thing that can be used in the car seat, great in colder weather as it fits into the straps of the car seat and doesn't add bulk like wearing a jacket would.
More muslins than you think you might need!
A nappy changing station on each floor, even if it's just a changing mat etc.
We had a poddle pod for daytime naps which DD loved.
Perfect prep if considering FF. I know some people are wary but honestly, best thing we had!

Amazing! Thank you so much for all tips. More muslins have been ordered!! x