A Letter on Baby "Must-Haves"

photo credit: Danielle Jonas

So there I was visibly pregnant, waddling around a baby store with my husband in tow. The time had come to start compiling a list of what we both wanted and needed for our little one and his or her nursery. As I flipped through the crib mattresses like pages of a very over-sized book, I examine each label carefully. Of course, this was our baby. He or she was going to have the absolute best. I noticed a label that read "organic" and figured it was a must have. As we made our way to the diapers, I looked at my husband, "These ones!" I beamed.  "Alana," my husband said somewhat disapprovingly, "all you did was choose the most expensive ones." My heart sank. They had to be the most expensive for a reason right?" Have you ever had or known someone who's had an organic mattress?" Dammit! It was true. I wasn't thinking. For the first time in my adult life, I was emotionally going through a store making not-so-wise choices. After having my 'aha' moment in the store coupled with experience of having my first, I became a whole lot more prudent. What is and isn't important for each family to have for their baby is dependent on so many different variables. When asked by an expecting friend for my list of "must haves," here is what I wrote.

My friend, Christine:

We are hoping you might be able to help us figure out the must haves for new babies! 
There are so many products out there and we are limited on space and money so we would like to keep it smart. We are starting to look now so we can find deals/ secondhand, etc.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
xoxo

My response:

Hey!

Obviously you will need a crib, carseat, stroller... I feel the latter two end up being a bit personal. Okay I'm just going to dive right in, here's my strategic list of "Baby Must-Haves":


Bassinet/ crib: I highly recommend doing research (government websites, consumer reports and online reviews are all good resources). Then, start searching on Craigslist.  I got our bassinet for 30% less than it was being sold online and it has rarely been used (we, the parents chose to co-sleep). 

Baby swing/ bouncy seat: See if you can borrow someone's baby swing and/ or bouncy seat. Our daughter out grew out of the swing we borrowed before she was four months. And, they retail for about $150 brand new. We got a bouncey seat on sale for $25. Nonetheless, it wasn't something we used too much.

photo credit: mogs.org

Changing pad, no changing table: Once they start rolling (around four months), you'll change them on the floor. We bought a change pad at Walmart. I recommend foregoing the cover for the change pad; the pad itself should be water resistant and therefore you can wipe/ clean/ disinfect as needed. Just put it on top of baby's dresser until you no longer need it. 

Few newborn clothes. An ample number size 3 month PJs and onesies: We've all heard about kids growing "in the blink of an eye". The expression couldn't be more true for the infant stage. Some "newborn" sizes are meant for up to 7 lbs., while others extend to 10 lbs. Either way, with the average Canadian baby weighing in at 7.5 lbs (3400 g), some outfits may only fit once. For the most part, we rolled the sleeves of 3 month sleepers. 
The reason I suggest onesies and sleepers especially in the first few weeks, is that most new moms are just getting their bearings and starting to get to know their little one. Jammies are easy, cover the baby up perfectly, and probably work match what you're in anyways! Onesies are great underneath (they also help contain blow-outs, if and when, they happen). If baby is born in summer, they are great as is!
I say get ample onesies because no matter how often you are doing laundry, whatever supply you do have will be puked on, peed on, and leaked on in every way imaginable, and even unimaginable for that matter.

A good number of receiving blankets: These are key for burping and quickly wiping up those imaginable and unimaginable mishaps outlined above! 

Second-hand, quality breast pump: Of course, this is only if you plan on breastfeeding. A good breast pump goes a long way. It helps if you end up with a clogged duct, or worse still, mastitis. Furthermore, if you'd like to introduce a bottle, mix milk into pablum, or increase your milk supply, you will be relieved you have the pump. When I asked roughly a dozen momma friends what they use themselves, all of them but one said go for electric. 

The idea of second-hand may have you squeamish. When I had both a public health nurse and a nurse at prenatal suggest renting, I realized it wasn't uncommon. As it turns out, every piece that needs to be sterilized can be.  Renting one adds up quickly. I bought my Medela Swing for $70 on Craigslist (regularly $200 retail).

Use throw pillows instead of a nursing pillow: This way you can use more/ less pillows to get the desired height based on your position.

New/used on a good quality baby carrier: You'll likely use it A LOT. I recommend ensuring there is a waist strap to alleviate pressure on your lower back. We had the original Bjorne lent to us, and though I loved the structure of the carrier, I needed something with more support. Fortunately, we got a new one as a gift. After asking many mommy friends, and casually surveying moms at a "Baby and Me" yoga class, the two brands that were consistently recommended were Baby Bjorn (at least one model comes with a waist strap), and Ergo Baby. If you are interested in some of the reported benefits of regularly using a carrier, check this out!

Finally, the parenting book(s) I had recommended to me the most, and incidentally resonated with me the most was the series by Tracey Hogg called the Baby Whisperer.

Hope this helps!

xo
Alana

Did I miss anything you would suggest? Write me or tweet me!