We all know how crazy life can get once you bring a newborn baby home from the hospital – this is when reality really starts to set in! So we asked Katie Hilton, Kendamil Feeding Expert, how Mum’s can prepare in advance for the baby’s arrival. Here are the 10 things a new parent really needs in those first few weeks of chaos!
1. LOTS of Nappies
The average baby goes through at least 70 nappies each week, so you can never really have enough. Depending on how you’re feeling after the birth or how well you’re establishing a routine with your baby, you might find yourself not wanting to go out too much in the first few weeks, so it’s a great idea to stock up on things like nappies, baby wipes and cotton wool so you’re never running short.
2. Batch Cooked Meals
It’s totally true that when you’re transitioning into new life with your baby, you can find yourself snacking on anything and everything! You’ll often reach for things which are quick and often not particularly nutritious, just to make life easy. Instead, prepare some simple meals that can be easily frozen in advance, such as spaghetti bolognese, chilli and lasagne, so all you’ll need to do is defrost and re-heat. You could also ask relatives who want to help out to bring you something like a casserole which simply needs putting into the oven and you can keep the rest for another day.
3. Comfy Clothing
You’ll spend plenty of time sitting feeding and comforting your newborn baby, so you may as well be comfortable! You might also be a little uncomfortable after birth, so anything which makes things a little easier for you will be a bonus. Stock up on things such as stretch (but supportive) leggings, jogging bottoms, cotton tops and hoodies. But don’t wear anything too expensive, particularly when feeding, in case your baby vomits!
4. Feeding Supplies
Make sure you’re well stocked up on all feeding essentials, particularly if bottle-feeding. You really don’t want to be running out of formula at 2am and having to send your partner to pick up supplies from the supermarket! If feeding your baby with Kendamil you can set up an easy subscription package, which will be delivered direct to your door each month to ensure you never run out of baby milk.
5. Baby Monitor
Whilst your baby will likely be sharing your room for the first six months of life, a baby monitor will always come in handy for those times when you’re in the shower or the kitchen cooking. It’s equally handy when you have (finally!) put little one down for a daytime nap and you want to get on with some chores or enjoy some well-earned relaxation. Baby monitors with movement sensors are great as they offer that little bit of extra reassurance.
6. LOADS of Baby Vests
Yes, those cute little outfits that everyone bought you are adorable, but you’ll find you can never have enough vests and baby grows for a newborn baby. They’re super practical, easy to put on and take off and are easy to access for nappy changes.
7. Lavender Oil
With so much going on with a newborn baby, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. When your head hits the pillow it can be hard to fall asleep with so much on your mind, even though you feel exhausted. For these moments, try using a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow or a sleep spray to help you drift off to sleep. A lavender body lotion applied after a warm bath in the evening is another good option.
8. Changing Table
You’ll be changing your baby soooo many times each day, you really don’t want to be constantly getting down on the floor and bending over for every change. You’ll already be carrying around your baby for the best part of three years, the last thing your back needs is any more strain!
9. Hand Sanitiser
You’ll find there will be plenty of times when you can’t just run to the toilet to wash your hands, particularly when feeding. Invest in a few bottles of hand sanitiser and place them in the rooms you’ll be spending the most time in around the house.
10. Little Luxuries
When you have a newborn baby it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. You’ve just been through childbirth, an amazing but also draining task for any woman. You deserve a little time to yourself, so invest in some luxury items; whether that be a posh bubble bath, face mask or a new book. Ask someone to watch the baby for an hour and lock yourself away in the bathroom, run a warm bath, jump in and relax, you deserve it!
We hope you found this blog detailing 10 things a new parent really needs helpful! If you’d like to find out more about the Kendamil product range, please click here.
Important Notice: Breastfeeding is best. Kendamil Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, and should be used as part of a mixed diet. Please talk to your Healthcare Professional.
