What New Parents Need for the First Month

Ah, the anticipation of welcoming a little one into the world – it’s an overwhelming mix of excitement, joy, and a dash of sheer terror. As a first-time parent, my partner and I found ourselves standing on the precipice of an unknown world, armed with advice from well-meaning friends and a barrage of conflicting information from the internet.

The sheer volume of baby products available out there left us feeling dizzied and, frankly, a bit cynical. Did we really need all of these things, or were we being swept up in a consumerist frenzy that seemed to accompany the arrival of a new family member?

Start With Baby Basics

Amidst this chaos, I decided to take a step back. Instead of drowning in a sea of baby gear, I chose to focus on a bite-sized portion: the first month. It was about survival, not indulgence. This approach, I believed, would help us navigate the initial whirlwind without succumbing to unnecessary purchases. So, armed with a newfound determination, I set out to create a list – not a wish list, mind you, but a practical, no-nonsense list of essentials that would help us survive those crucial first weeks.

The first step was to filter out the noise. The internet, while a wellspring of information, can sometimes be a breeding ground for consumerism. Every product touted itself as indispensable, a must-have for our baby’s well-being. Sorting through the genuine necessities and the superfluous luxuries was daunting. So, I started with the basics: the bare minimums for survival, the things we truly needed to bring our baby home and ensure his well-being.

• Transportation: First on my list was a way to get the baby home, as the hospital will not release newborns without car seats. We invested in a reliable car seat that fits with a multiuse stroller that would grow and change with our son.

• Eat: I wanted to breastfeed, so I bought my breast pump the month before my son’s birth. I knew that there was a chance we would need formula (hey things happen despite our *breast* intentions). I also knew that many babies are particular about formula, so I kept a few samples mailed to us from signing up for Enfamil and Similac signups. Likewise, I had bottles, nursing bras, and nipple cream for those inevitable sore days.

• Poop: Thanks to our baby shower, we had one box of each newborn and size one diapers. We picked up wipes, and my sister-in-law gifted us a dresser with a changing table.

• Sleep: We opted for a simple bassinet that met all safety standards – no frills, just a cozy space for our baby to rest. My parents-in-law purchased a crib that we have used for naps, but we won’t use it overnight until our son is at least six months. While not needed for the first month, a crib finishes out the look of the nursery and makes a great place to store things.

• First aid: To ensure we were prepared for any unexpected bumps in the road, I got a basic baby first aid kit.

• Clothing: I stuck to the essentials: onesies and sleepers – enough to keep our little one warm and snug.

With the essentials in hand, I felt a sense of relief. We weren’t drowning in a sea of baby products; we were prepared for the practicalities of those early days. This pared-down approach not only saved us from unnecessary expenses but also helped us enter parenthood with a clear mind and a focused perspective.

What You Need for Post-Partum Care

The first month with a baby is also a time of healing, recovery, and adjustment. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, I quickly realized the importance of having the right products to aid in my postpartum care.

Although I bought pads, the free hospital-provided ones were thicker, more absorbent, and designed for maximum comfort during those initial days after childbirth. In the beginning, when every movement felt like a challenge, these pads provided much-needed support and protection.

Another essential item that quickly became my constant companion was the peri bottle. A simple invention, yet incredibly effective, the peri bottle aided the post-birth bathroom experience. With a gentle squeeze, it provided a soothing stream of warm water, offering relief and comfort during the healing process. It was a small gesture that made a world of difference, turning what could have been a painful routine into a moment of care and tenderness. Unlike the pads, the hospital-provided peri bottle was less helpful than the one I purchased, due to the hooked tip that made positioning the water spout easier.  

Soft, stretchy, and specifically designed for post-surgery recovery, mesh underwear provided the right balance of support and breathability. Coupled with the oversized, loose-fitting clothes I had chosen for the days following labor, they allowed me to move with ease while ensuring my comfort and confidence.

Alongside physical recovery, my emotional well-being was also a priority. So, I invested in soothing lanolin cream for breastfeeding. Again, the hospital gave me a bottle (so I always had some when and where I needed it). This gentle cream helped alleviate any discomfort and ensured a smooth breastfeeding experience for both me and my baby.

Lastly, a reusable, water bottle became my constant companion. Staying hydrated was not only vital for my recovery but also crucial for breastfeeding. Having a water bottle within arm’s reach at all times served as a reminder to nourish my body, allowing me to care for my baby more effectively.

In those tender postpartum weeks, these products weren’t just items I used; they were allies in my journey toward recovery and self-care. Each one played a unique role in ensuring my comfort, allowing me to focus on bonding with my baby and navigating the beautiful, challenging, and transformative path of new motherhood.

As first-time parents, it's easy to get swept away by the notion that we need every latest gadget and gizmo to ensure our baby's happiness and well-being. But in reality, what our little one needed most was our love, attention, and a few fundamental necessities. By filtering out the noise and focusing on the basics, my partner and I were able to embrace the challenges of the first month with confidence and grace. Parenthood, it seemed, was a journey best navigated one practical step at a time.

My “Baby’s Home” Essentials List

• Diapers and pads for mom

• Peri bottle

• Burp cloths

• Nursing pillow

• Breast pump and milk storage bags

• Nipple cream

• Nursing bras and shirts

• Pumping bra

• 2-4 small bottles and nipples — newborns drink about 2-3 ounces per feed.

• Bottlebrush with nipple brush

• Laundry detergent for sensitive skin — wash new clothes before your baby wears them.

• 4-8 onesies and/or infant t-shirts — a mix of newborn and the next size up.

• 4-8 pajamas

• 2 wearable or swaddle blankets

• Infant tub

• 2-4 baby washcloths

• 2 baby towels

• Baby wash for sensitive skin

• Baby lotion for sensitive skin

• Disposable diapers — One large box of size 1

• Diaper rash cream

• Unscented Wipes

• Changing pad cover

• Infant car seat

• Stroller

• Baby carrier

• Diaper bag

• Portable changing pad

• Pacifiers

• Baby grooming and health kit —

  • Nail clippers

  • Hairbrush

  • Thermometer

  • Nasal aspirator

• Bassinet sheets

• Set up diaper changing area