First Days Home with Baby

Dear first time parents - especially you moms, 

Preparing for parenthood is such a thrill!  Lucky for you, too, the internet has countless websites that provide lists of the products you are going to need to be prepared. But there are less obvious items, but just as crucial, to assist in comforting you and your baby as you both settle in to your new lift.  

Everything on this checklist is targeted to make your days and nights as relaxing and stress-free as possible.  I stand by each and every one of these products and would give a giftbasket with all of them to every new mom, if I could. 

1. Glider Chair (odomon optional).  Your newborn craves motion, because that is what his life has been up until now. This means spending a lot of time on your feet, swaying and bouncing back and forth. To take some of the pressure off, invest in a Glider chair that allows you to soothe both your baby and yourself. This is especially wonderful for your bedtime routine.  For example, each night I sit with my daughter in our Glider, read her a story, sing a song, say our prayers, and rock until she is nice and relaxed and ready for sleep. 
2. Nipple Contact Shield.  This tiny piece of plastic was one of the most helpful items during my attempts to breastfeed. Remember, this is the first time breastfeeding for both of you. It is going to take time (for most families, at least) to get the hang of it, and during the waiting game it can take a toll on your emotions and your body - specifically your "ladies". Plus, if your child has difficulty latching on\ like mine did, then this shield not only takes care of reducing some of the pain, it allows your baby to latch better and get the food she needs from mom. 
3. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate! Keep a 32oz or 56oz Water Bottle with straw and handle handy at all times. Your body is releasing a lot of fluids due to giving birth and breastfeeding, and you will be more thirsty than ever before in your life. The large container, the handle, and the straw are all crucial.  It allows you to easily pick up and drink without worrying about spills or constantly having to refill. 
4. Harmony Lantern.  This amazing piece of art is so calming. You can purchase at www.harmonylantern.com.  It is a desktop lantern (can put on bookshelf, dresser, etc) with changeable inserts that have different themes. A slight breeze or swipe of your hand activates the insert piece to turn, which causes the beautiful shapes and colors to transpire on the wall and spin around as if the pictures were dancing. I have the Safari Animal and Christmas Reindeer inserts.  
5. Moby Wrap.  Your 2nd best friend. The swing is your #1 BFF, but that's not until #10 on this list. This LONG piece of fabric ties around your body and encompasses your newborn so that she can cradle against you for warmth, comfort, and that good 'ol in-the-womb feeling. This is a saving grace for when you need to get out of the house, or if you simply want your hands free while still holding your infant. 
6. Pacifiers.  The ones pictured here are wonderful, because you can help keep the binky in your baby's mouth by placing your finger in the little slot built in the back. 
7. SPROUT App for your iPhone or iPad.  This FREE app allows you to live your days without having to think... because let's be honest, your brain isn't ready to function yet until it can get some sleep.  The app has very user-friendly features that allow you to track the following: 
1. Feeding: A timer to track how long you feed or pump for and on what side (lef tor right breast)
2. Sleep: A timer to track when your baby sleeps and for how long.  You hit "Awake" for when baby is awake and "Asleep" for when baby sleeps.  You can't get easier than that. 
3. Diapers:  How many diapers are you changing and what are the contents like
8. Halo Sleepsack Swaddler.  This puppy has the Velcro you need to keep your newborn swaddled snug and tight. 
9. Pandora Radio's station "HEAVENLY LULLABIES".  This is the best station in the world, in my opinion.  It plays instrumental music to modern day songs (Aerosmith and more!).  So, it plays the right kind of music to put your baby to sleep and won't drive you crazy as you listen too. I spend a lot of nights feeding, rocking in my glider, listening to this station and watching the harmony lantern.  Very serene and peaceful. 
10. #10 is the ULTIMATE baby gear must-have livesaver.  The Fisher-Price My Little SnugaBunny Cradle Swing. Here is why:
1. Most swings are battery operated, but this model comes with a power cord. 
2. It has two directions to swing (side to side and front to back). 
3. It has multiple speed settings, music with volume settings, and a feature that moves little toy birdies around for your little one to look at.  
4. It is soft and cushioned, and the fabric pieces can come off easily to wash. 
5. It also has straps to buckle your little one in after they are bigger and able to roll around on their own. 
6. It transfers easily from room to room or place to place. 
7. Most importantly, your baby will get amazing sleep in this swing. Which means you can finally rest too.