Motherhood: The Bare Necessities For Expecting Moms
I have a special Motherhood Guide that I continue to add our favorite necessities as my son grows and our favorites evolve. Below is my list of necessities specifically for infants and postpartum mothers.
Preparing for new life can be very overwhelming. I leaned on my mom friends, minimalist mom bloggers and intuition to help me shop and prepare for the arrival of my baby — all of which I was grateful for. I really strive to use non-toxic, sustainable and ethical products where I can. I am not perfect and I don’t strive to be. Motherhood has enough stressors. I do, however, try to repurpose as much as possible. We live in a small home and I don’t like clutter. Everything I bought with the intention of using it for our next child, when that time comes. I welcomed any hand-me-downs and continue to pass down Owen’s to new and expecting mothers. Thrifting is also a great way to save money and get some pretty cool things!
Due to Covid, we had to cancel our baby shower. To save money we decided to only shop for what the baby would need for the first three months. This created a boundary for me and helped me cope through the sudden changes that were occurring around me. Seeing how it was 2020 and we live in a civilized country, I knew I could easily acquire anything needed without much effort. This was one of the biggest blessings because it allowed me to get to know our son before purchasing big ticket items that he may or may not like or need.
In my researching phase I notice a lot of consumerism online. Combine a spike of hormones with the need to control something while you are waiting for your baby to arrive and you get a house full of things you may never use. Now that I am on the other side, I can tell you that you need very little to care for a newborn and your vulnerable body in postpartum. If you have questions, I am happy to help and support in any way I can. Reach out to me on the Contacts page.
N E W B O R N
Travel System: stroller + infant seat combination. We chose the Nuna Mixx Next with the Pipa. I recommend shopping on Nordstrom during their annual sale.
Bedside Bassinet: We got the Snoo gently used on FB marketplace. It worked amazing for us. We purchased the linens and sleep sacks new. I have heard good things about the Halo as well.
Snuggle Me / Doc a Tot: we were gifted one of each. The Snuggle Me is a bit smaller so keep that in mind. It is great for in early infant stage but the doc-a-tot became our go-to during the transition from the Snoo to the crib.
0-3 size baby clothes:
Do not invest is a lot of newborn sizes. Unless you have a premie, you will be growing out of the newborn within weeks.
Gowns for bedtime. They are so easy for diaper changes in the middle of the night.
Zipper over buttons! TRUST. Look for bundles.
Best places to shop: Burts Bees, Mebie Baby, Parade Organics, Touched by Nature, Target, H&M, Zara.
Baby Carrier: Baby Bjorn or 1-2 Solly Wrap do the trick. Never liked the one shoulder carriers. We used the Baby Bjorn the most by far. Ergo Baby also has comparable options.
Blanket: depending on your climate, I recommend 2-3 blankets. We used swaddles as light blankets. I do recommend one adult size cozy blanket for yourself during night feeds and couch time.
Burp Cloths: Muslin fabric absorbs a mess best, but a thick cotton is also good for over the shoulder burps so it doesn’t seep through to your clothes. I carried one of each in my bag. I liked these: Parker Baby Muslin Cloths + Burts Bees Burp Cloths.
Diapers + Wipes:
We used disposable during the first month or two and then transitioned into Esembly Cloth Diapers. Today we use both, depending on the circumstance. LOVE these cloth diapers. Can’t say enough about the ease, aesthetic, quality and cleaning. Worth every penny. The link takes you to shop with a 10% off discount.
We use Pampers Pure or Honest Brand disposables and Water Wipes.
Diaper Caddy: Something simple to store your basics in. I like these from Parker Baby and I find them easy to bring on road trips to keep changing time organized and easy.
Changing Station: Diaper pail, changing table, changing pad, diaper caddy, organization for creams, etc.
Sound Machine: we love our Hatch Rest+. It travels well and is portable.
Bouncer: We loved our Baby Bjorn bouncer. It is 5 lbs so easy to carry around the home and even on outings. This is where we put Owen when we were eating or showering. I like that it is portable and not an eyesore. Also, very easy to store for the next baby!
Bathtime:
We used the sink for the first month and then transitioned to the Angelcare Baby Tub.
1-2 baby towels with the hoods are nice. I tossed mine into the dryer while we bathed Owen so they were warm.
A set of muslin wash cloths.
Fragrance free baby soap with pump. We use Dr. Bronner’s.
Diaper Bag: I found the Birdlings Backpacker to be a wonderful canvas diaper bag. We nursed so there was no need to have an insulated pouch. Nowadays, I tend to use my Nena & Co CDB that I purchased used on Poshmark. The two side pouches are perfect for sippy cups/bottles and the ease of a small backpack is wonderful. It is also very stylish :)
Aloha Bags: Odd recommendation, but these little water-resistant zipper bags are very useful.
Small Pouch or a Mid Pouch for soiled clothes or soiled cloth/disposable diapers (I don’t like to throw dirty diapers in private trash cans so I tend to carry with me until I find a polite way to toss them)
Diaper changing necessities: A small Aloha bag holds a foldable diaper pad, 2 disposable diapers, wipes and some sanitizing wipes for mom. Makes diaper changes out and about much easier than taking a large diaper bag and baby to the restroom.
Pacifier + Clip: Owen preferred the Bibs pacifier + I liked these clips. We didn’t introduce the pacifier to Owen until he properly latched and he was past three weeks old.
JellyCat Stuffed Animal: Whether it’s a lovey or a small animal friend, my son loved these stuffed animals from day one and to this day he cuddles his lion and walrus to sleep every day.
Play Mat + Gym: You can find a lot of options out there. We were gifted this gym and use a folded blanket underneath. I was also gifted a LovEvery subscription with a gym and Owen loved it.
First Aid Kit: You will need baby nail clippers, snot sucker, baby hair brush and a thermometer. Also baby creams. We use Esembly Cloth Diaper skin creams.
Bottles: I was gifted the comotomo bottles and they worked great. Owen never had a problem taking a bottle, but most babies are picky. You may have to sample a few to find the perfect fit for your baby so I wouldn’t invest in this department just yet. Having one or two on hand is good for the start.
Nightlight: We like to use the salt lamp. It gives a soft red light that helps keep both the baby and our melatonin in check during the night feeds.
Comfortable Seat/Rocker: We have very limited space in our nursery. I wish we could have fit a reclining rocker chair. If you can, I highly recommend. At the very least you will want an ottoman to prop your feet.
M O T H E R
Breast Pads: Reusable Bamboo Pads
Nursing Bras + Tanks: I didn’t invest a lot of money in these, but I would have if needed. I am 16 months into breastfeeding so I have used my bras nearly every day for a long time. I have a couple from Kindred Bravely that I love. I got a couple styles to go with different shirt cuts (racer back, spaghetti). Definitely want to make sure they are not too tight otherwise you run the risk of getting mastitis.
Haakaa: I had both the Milk Collector and the Manual Pump with suction bottom. These are amazing in the first few weeks when your milk comes in.
Haakaa Storage Bags: Reusable silicone milk bags
Thinx Underwear: I used large cotton high waisted cotton undies during the first week when I was bleeding heavier. Once that stage started to pass, I switched to Thinx Period Underwear. The investment was great as I started my period three months PP.
Postpartum Care Kit: I loved this non-toxic bundle from Fat and the Moon. It has everything you need for your recovery: sits bath, nipple cream, perineum spray, baby oil and more.
Reusable Water Container with Straw: large yeti or hydroflask with a straw for easy drinking. You get very thirsty breastfeeding!
Easy to Prepare Food: once the gift cards and home cooked meals from mom fizzle, these will be your best options for quick meals. Warm, easy to digest foods are best for the first 40 days of postpartum recovery. Avoid raw, cold or really heavy meals, especially in the first couple weeks.
frozen meals - whether it is store bought or you were a great at preparing ahead of the birth and you cooked and froze meals in advance, these will be great to throw in the oven when you are too exhausted to stand in the kitchen and cook. There are some decent healthy options in the frozen section of Whole Foods, Sprouts and Trader Joes.
Soups: utilize your slow-cooker or instapot.
Simple bowls: rice + beans, pasta and marinara, stir-fry or tacos were my go-to’s
Breakfast: warm oats with compose, protein packed pancakes, scrambled eggs, etc.
Cozy Clothes
Robe + Slippers
Large T-Shirts that you don’t mind getting spit up on
Sweats + large shorts. I used my husbands boxers on occasion.
Easy to Nurse in Shirts/Outfits: I did buy two “nursing shirts” but ended up giving them away because they were too bulky for me. I had my baby in the summer so I was able to wear flowy clothing that made nursing in public less awkward. You will discover what you feel confident and comfortable nursing in while you are away from home.
Breast Pump: Highly recommend using insurance to receive a free pump. I’ve heard they will also pay a portion of higher end pumps. I got the Spectra S2 (the pink one) and it worked great. I breastfed from the boob exclusively until my son started going to his Nana’s twice a week. If I was returning to work I might have invested in a wireless pump, but for those who are on a budget or don’t plan to bottle feed much, use your insurance and save the money.
Bestfeeding Book: Learned so much from this wonderful book. Highly recommend.
Eye Mask: for the midday naps that you will find yourself enjoying.
