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First Time Parent
42
items Stuff I found useful through pregnancy, birthing, and post-partum, listed approximately in that order.
Did I read it cover to cover? No. Did I feel better for having it on hand? Yes.
Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Third Edition
This was an easy read while I prepped for baby's arrival. There was one piece of editorial extrapolation that I didn't appreciate, but there's enough good info in there to be worth a read.
Brain Rules for Baby (Updated and Expanded): How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five|Paperback
Really easy to read with practical information!
Understanding Your Baby: A Week-By-Week Development & Activity Guide For Playing With Your Baby From Birth to 12 Months|eBook
These were the multivitamins that worked for me. It's pretty comprehensive plus I appreciated that the vitamin A was from beta carotene.
Organics Prenatal Multi Tablets
It doesn't have to be “with every child, a tooth!” Make sure you're getting enough calcium especially if you can't/don't do dairy
Supplement Calcium
These were essential for managing morning sickness
Preggie Pop Drops Morning Sickness Relief
Sometimes these helped ease morning sickness, but sometimes it just felt irritating to wear. It's worth a try at least!
Sea-Band (2Ct, 2Pr) Anti-Nausea Acupressure Wristband for Motion Sickness, 2 Pair
Was this annoying to deal with? Yes. Was it absolutely necessary while driving these streets? Also, yes.
Pregnancy Buffer Adjuster - Seat Bump Strap for Pregnant Women Protect Belly - Prevent Compression of Abdomen
This provided just enough support for my moderate size and activity level during pregnancy.
KeaBabies Maternity Belly Band XL Ivory
comfortable cotton, wireless bralettes were perfect from pregnancy to breastfeeding and beyond
Comfortable Maternity Bra
I got a “cute” delivery gown for the hospital too, but it just couldn't beat the utility of this design.
Ekouaer 3-in-1 Maternity Nursing Gown
This style nursing top was perfect for me! I pared it with a long cardigan and no one could tell. The double panel worked well for modesty too when I just couldn't be fussed with a bra.
PEONAVET Women's Nursing Tops for Breastfeeding Shirts Maternity Clothes Pregnant s Nursing Solid Color Round Neck Sleeveless Round Neck Breastfeeding Blouse Vest - Walmart.com
Did I think I'd be recommending a girdle? No. But the 3-band model really helped ease the lower back pain while my hypermobile postpartum body was readjusting.
TiRain 3-Piece Postpartum Belly Band
Necessary following delivery 💯
Pain, Burn & Itch, Hospital-Trusted Relief Spray
look, it just comes with the territory
Preparation H Hemorrhoid Flushable Wipes
We got some of these while at the hospital but they were so useful for keeping me and baby clean!
Refillable Lavette Cleansing Irrigation Wash Bottle - 2 Pack
this stuff was great - a specialized moisturizer to soothe sore nips
Organic Nipple Butter Breastfeeding Cream
You will want to have these on hand for unexpected leaks, changes, spills, spit-ups, etc. Babies come with a lot of random wetness 🥴
Wet Bags, for Diapers, Swimsuits, or Wet Clothes, Waterproof Washable Reusable
Diaper changing hack! As much as I admire people who can do cloth diapers and changing table covers, I didn't have the spoons for that, especially in the early days. A puppy pad keeps the changing table clean and is helpful on the go!
Puppy Pads
Make sure you get the right size flange for pumping! The default ones included with the pump are the wrong size for most people. I also highly recommend sitting with a lactation consultant at least once!
Maymom Wide Neck Pump Part for Spectra S1/S2
I found this rack really useful and like the way it's collapsible too in case it goes into storage for a while
Munchkin® High Capacity Baby Bottles and Accessories Drying Rack, White
I wish I hadn't even bothered trying other bottles tbh
Dr. Brown's Specialty Feeding System Starter Kit, Narrow Baby Bottle Infant-Paced Feeding, Gift Set
Make sure you're using the right kind of nipple for your baby and size up as needed! This “narrow” product is an example to demonstrate that there are more options out there and it can impact how well baby feeds.
Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Level 2 Narrow Baby Bottle Silicone Nipple, Medium Flow, 3m+, 100% Silicone Bottle Nipple, 6 Pack
If your baby also breaks free of all attempts to swaddle, you may have more luck with something like this.
Hudson Baby Infant Girl Cotton Sleeveless Wearable Sleeping Bag, Sack, Blanket, Pink Blue Pretty Floral, 3-9 Months - Walmart.com
A truly gentle baby soap at a way better price than I'd come across with anything comparable.
SheaMoisture Baby Wash and Shampoo with 100% Virgin Coconut Oil, Sweet Pea & Murumuru, 13 fl oz
This worked really well for us. I love a smart design that can grow with baby!
Frida Baby 4 in 1 Grow with Me Baby Bathtub for Newborn to Toddler, White, Rigid Baby Bath, Unisex
living in a dry, desert climate, this saline spray has been a life saver for baby and me!
NoseFrida SALINE SNOT SPRAY – Frida | The fuss stops here.
I get how this method isn't for everyone, but I felt so much safer with more manual control over how much pressure was being used on my baby's sensitive sinus. Especially when she got older and started sticking things up her nose 🙄🤣
Frida Baby Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator for Baby Nasal Congestion
Being able to quickly and easily disinfect toys is so important, regardless if toys are new or thrifted
CleanSmart Toy Disinfectant Spray
Hand sanitizer is essential whenever you're out and about with a baby!
Clip On Hand Sanitizer 4 Pack Assorted Scents with Carabiner Clips
A packet of these were gifted to us and were such a nice addition to the diaper bag!
Boogie Wipes Gentle Saline Wet Wipes for Runny or Dry Nose, Hypoallergenic, Fragrance-Free Unscented, 90 Count
Grocery carts, play equipment, shared toys, or any of the various surfaces kiddo may try to lick. I keep these in the diaper bag all the time. No, it's not paranoid or weird or bad for their immune system to disinfect things. Kids will get more than ...
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on the Go Bleach Free Travel Wipes, Fresh Scent, 9 Count
It took some time to get used to putting the wrap on, but once I did it was perfect. I was kinda devistated when kiddo outgrew it 😅
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier - Classic Gray
The paci buddy worked much better for us than any kind of clip or strap.
Philips Avent Soothie Snuggle Pacifier Holder with Detachable Pacifier, Elephant, 0M+, SCF347/03
My baby didn't respond too much to toys in the early days, but this was a good one to have on hand regardless.
Lamaze Clip & Go Fifi the Firefly Infant Toy, Baby Car Seat Toy, Plush Stroller Toy
Not the exact same model tummy time sensory mat we had, but similar enough. You can DIY something with a freezer bag(s) full of water too, tho it's likely less durable.
Mr. Pen- Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat, Water Mat for Babies
This isn't the exact model FP baby playmat we got, but it's similar enough that I'd recommend this one too. The detachable piano part was engaging enough even as my baby outgrew the rest of the mat.
Fisher-Price Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym Baby Playmat with Musical Learning Toy, Blue
A swing with a motor was a lifesaver when I was overtired and touched out! If there's only one baby thing you can afford to splurge on, you may want to consider a swing!
Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing with Adjustable Speeds and Plush Seat in Ivy
A Pack 'n Play is so useful! This model includes a nice bassinet and changing table too which we used a lot more than I ever would have expected. My only regret is not getting an compatible sunshade to attach when outside.
Graco Pack 'n Play Dreamer Playard with Lift-Out Bassinet, Changer & Travel Bag
Some things you have to get brand new, but a lot can be thrifted! Save on clothes, cribs, changing tables, highchairs, and all sorts of baby gear. Save money and keep usable things out of landfills.
Once Upon A Child | Reno
A local boutique shop, classes, playtime, and more. Going here is a special treat! If you can find anything even remotely comparable in your area, go check it out asap and make some new parent friends!
Biggest Little Baby
The Discovery Museum here in Reno is so worthwhile! The room for 5yo and under is great and the membership price is super reasonable.
The Discovery