Holà ! Introducing my first article, hoping you'll find it useful ! It's aimed at parents-to-be and their entourage, and includes a few essentials for putting together your birth lists and maternity bags. After personally contributing to a number of birth lists (for nephews/nieces, cousins, my friends' babies), and receiving feedback on which products were really useful (AND used) in baby's first months, I decided to create this list of essentials. So, let’s go !
Baby's sleep
The right outfit contributes to a restful sleep. Baby's clothing should be suitable to the room's temperature. So remember to consider the thickness of the sleeping bag (forsummer or winter), and consider the number of clothing layers (Bodysuits short or long sleeves, etc.). In a dry room, a humidifier can be useful. What should you chose between abedside crib or a convertible crib ? It all depends on, where baby sleeps. A bedside crib, close to the parents, will help manage night-time awakenings (brand such as Chicco offer good models), while the wider option, like a convertible bed, is more suitable if your baby has their own room. Brand such as IKEA or bébé9, offer fully-equipped bedrooms (including bed + changing table + wardrobes), available at low price !
So, even if your newborn sleeps 2 hours a night (*sigh*), whether they have their own room, or a specific space in yours, dear parents,find below the essentials :
Baby's meals
For meals, and depending on age, you'll need baby bottles. Brands such as AVENT and MAM are a must-have, and offer interesting gift sets (large and small bottles, pacifier or cleaning brushes). Make sure you have several regular baby bibs, and for toddlers long sleeve bibs and a feeding set will do just fine (a baby feeding set usually includes plates and cutlery) .
The multipurpose baby food processor Babymoov will be your best toolwhen it is time to diversify baby's diet allowing you to do batch coocking. Meals prepared in advance can be stored either in the fridge or in the freezer in proper containers. My baby niece enjoyed her best meals thanks to this robot!
Changing Baby
For bath time,a good a floating thermometer will prevent burn accidents and other injuries. The choice of the baby's bathtub (and its size!) will depend on the space available in your bathroom. There are bathtubs on tripods or smaller options et collapsible. Get several baby hooded towel to get out of the bath. Tipsto avoid breaking your back during the bath, a little a foldable step stool can be used as a chair !
Then for changing baby, a changing mat is required (sizes are standard and fit well on conventional changing tables). Lttle tips from a friend of mine: when choosing bodysuits, make sure to pick cross bodysuits because classic bodysuits (which are removed through the baby's head) can sometimes be less practical! You’re welcome. In addition, you will need some swaddle blankets, which you can use for EVERYTHING (wiping baby during a meal, covering him while breast-feeding, or even as a comforter?). Finally, despite the unconditional love you'll have for them, you'll be delighted to be able to block your nostrils from olfactory disturbances! That's where diapers pail Twist and Click from Tommee Tippee , enter the chat ! Odours are locked in, and the room keeps smelling fresh !
Baby's strolling
Whether you are going out, walking or driving your car, backpack sera nécessaire pour ranger toutes ses affaires (les sacs Cabaïa sont pas mal également). As you're walking outside, you will need a stroller. Nota bene, from0 to 6 months old, your baby needs to remain lying on their back, so choose a stroller including a carrycot in the early months, then switch to a "seated" model. Brands such as YOYO, Bébéconfort or Bugaboo offer full sets. As with everything, there is every budget out there. Do no hesitate to compare (websites, stores) and be prepared for sales and other promotions.
You can choose a baby carrier a practical and easy option, or prefer the baby slings. In this case, don't hesitate to attend a babywearing workshop to learn how to tie them properly. For car rides, and in order to chose a car-seat, find complete informations. The securange website can guide you. You can also visit the stores, to physically check the product and get advice from profesionals.
Baby plays
In the first few months, your baby's vision is blurred, and from 2/3 months old, they can only see black and white. High-contrast objects are, in this case, ideal to start early-learning activities. You can add colors later. Other great options include audible books or sensory books (different textures), to develop the senses, as well as the classic Playmat (from 03 months old). If baby doesn't crawl yet, they can, still play sitting up in their bouncer seat or fidgeting on their playmat.
Maternity suitcase and post-partum care
A few items to slip into the maternity suitcase. A nightlight ,the dim light will allow you to be illuminated without waking up the newborn. Tops facilitating breastfeeding (loose-fitting pyjamas, seamless nursing bras). In order to prevent nipple injury use contact nipple shields and soothing cream (be sure to choose the right size! S, M and L). The wait before childbirth can be long, make sure to bring leisure (magazines, books, tablets), as well as your phone chargers and your favourite snacks. This article can advise you on what not to forget in your maternity suitcase (for mom + baby).
When it comes to post-partum careLansinoh products are considered a game changer : high-quality products, and truly essential for pregnancy care, breastfeeding period and overall post-partum stage.
How do I create my birth list ?
Several websites can be used in order to create you birth lists (Milirose, Cadeau clic, Amazon birth lists or Mes envies) then you can proceed to sharing them to your family, friends and other people who want to gift you items that will really come in handy! It's easy: all you have to do is register (for free) onto the website that suits you best, then create your birth lists, adding links to the products you need for your baby.
Bonus informations
You may find, the following resources interesting: La maison des maternelles 's youtube page and particularly this video, which gives you food for thought for your first purchases, as well as for your future full-time job => parents!
Keep an eye on summer or winter sales and others promotions on the brands/products you're interested in, so you can purchase the usually most expensives items (i.e. cradle, stroller, car seat) at the lowest price. You should know that Amazon Prime offers a 30days free trial. Note that, many items can be bought second-hand (except mattresses! for hygiene matter).
Last but not least, before taking care of your baby, don't forget to take care of yourself. Your newborn will be happy if you, as parents, are happy too. Remember to ask for help when you need it.
Good luck getting ready !
Besos, Mama xo
Merci, article très intéressant qui couvre de larges champs de ce sujet !
Je te remercie ton retour Stéphanie! à bientôt
Merci ,tout y est .bravoo
elle facilitera vraiment la tâche aux futurs parents
Bonjour Mireille, je te remercie pour ton retour ! N’hésite pas à partager aux personnes que cet article pourrait intéresser
Superbe article riche en informations et surtout qui couvre tous les champs! Merci Mama 🙂
Bonjour Fatou, je te remercie pour ton retour ! N’hésite pas à partager l’article aux personnes que cela pourraît intéresser, les liens sont fait pour créer vos propres listes ! A bientôt pour un autre article/sujet