What You Really Need for the First Few Weeks with a Baby
Bringing your little one home is super exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel a bit overwhelming. You’ll probably wonder if you have everything you need or if you’ve forgotten something crucial. To make life easier, here’s a list of absolute must-haves for those first few weeks:
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Diapers & Wipes: Trust me, you’ll go through these faster than you think! Newborns need about 8-12 diaper changes a day. Whether you go for disposable or cloth, have a good stash ready. And don’t forget a gentle diaper cream to prevent rashes!
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Comfy Baby Clothes: Stick to soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. You’ll need plenty of onesies, socks, mittens (bye-bye, baby scratches), and a little hat to keep your baby warm. Pro tip: Opt for zip-up sleepers instead of buttoned ones for those midnight changes!
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Swaddle Blankets: Swaddling helps your baby feel snug and secure, just like they did in the womb. If your baby doesn’t love traditional swaddles, try velcro or zip-up versions to make wrapping up your little burrito a breeze! Our baby towels also work great for cuddly warmth.
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Feeding Essentials: Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, grab a few bottles, a sterilizer, burp cloths, and maybe a breast pump if needed. If you’re nursing, lanolin cream can be a lifesaver for sore nipples, and if you’re formula-feeding, don’t forget to stock up on the right formula!
Setting Up a Cozy and Safe Nursery
Your baby’s room doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest dream—just focus on the essentials to keep them safe and comfy. Here are some must-haves for creating a functional space:
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Crib or Bassinet: Go for a firm mattress with fitted sheets (no fluffy stuff for safety!). A bassinet is great for the first few months if you want your baby nearby, but a crib is a long-term investment.
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Baby Monitor: So you don’t have to hover over them 24/7. Some monitors even track breathing and movement for extra peace of mind!
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White Noise Machine: Babies are used to hearing constant sounds in the womb, so white noise can help them sleep better by drowning out background noise.
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Buggy Sacks (Footmuffs): Keeping your baby warm during outings is a must. Check out our newborn buggy sacks (footmuffs) to keep your little one toasty, when you go out.
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Room Temperature Control: Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature well, so keep the room at a comfortable 68-72°F (20-22°C). Use a room thermometer and dress your baby in breathable layers.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag – No Last-Minute Panic!
Having your hospital bag ready in advance means one less thing to stress about. You don’t want to be scrambling for things while in labor, so pack your bag by week 36. Here’s what you need:
For You:
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Loose, comfy clothes (trust me, you won’t want anything tight!)
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Toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, lip balm—you’ll thank me later!)
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Maternity pads (because, yeah, you’ll need them)
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Snacks (hospital food isn’t exactly gourmet)
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Phone charger (so you can send baby pics to everyone!)
For Baby:
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Cute first outfit + hat (hello, adorable hospital pics!)
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Diapers and wipes (because you’ll need them from day one)
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Swaddle blankets and baby towels for keeping baby cozy
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A car seat (hospitals won’t let you leave without one!)
Make sure you’ve got a roomy, easy-to-carry maternity bag to fit all this stuff. Check out our maternity bags designed to hold everything you need without being a pain to carry.
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