The books and magazines would have you believe that you need everything. I’ll let you into a little secret, you don’t need all that stuff, but what you DO need you need A LOT of, especially in the newborn phase.
I’m going to attempt an inventory of everything I actually used during pregnancy, birth and the first three months.
Pregnancy
Maternity Jeans and/or Dungarees
I lived and [almost] birthed in my dungarees, well, until they got too small at eight and a half months. They did see me through a good six months though and were well worth the money (I got them from H&M by the way).
Going Out Top
An evening top, I found wrap-around style to be the most flattering.
Smart Casual Top
I had a long-sleeved one that I loved.
Other Clothes
The clothes above were my only specifically maternity wear. The following items were just in a larger size and therefore cheaper.
Jogging Bottoms (for slogging not jogging!)
T-shirts (aka tents)
Big Knickers (nobody said pregnancy was pretty, oh hang on, yes they do, in those b***dy magazines…oh well, THEY LIE)
Flat Sandals/Flip Flops
Maternity Pillow
This became a ‘must-have’ item after the six month mark, however, it does not need to be fancy, a simple wedge of foam is all that is required.
In Hospital
For me;
Pyjamas - Huge size
Knickers - Huge size
Sanitary Pads - Huge size (are you noticing the pattern?)
Bra + Breast Pads - Nursing or maternity bra for extra support (think: sore boobs)
Best Quality Wash Products - You will be glad!
MP3 Player - Was my saviour when I was kept in, on and off for the final week
Book/Magazine - See above + it might be some time before you read again
Toiletries
Tracksuit or similar for going home, don’t bother taking anything non-stretchy, too sore, too depressing
Food - Favourite snacks, the state of hospital food is well documented
For baby;
Nappies - Allowing 8 per day is sensible
Vests - 2 for each day in hospital
Sleepsuits/Babygro’s - Allow 3/4 for every 24 hour period (especially for first-time mums who are picky over minor spillages)
Blanket - 1, because it’s nice to have your own.
Cotton Wool - For nappie-changing
Cardigan - 1, just in case it’s cold
Complete outfit and jacket - For coming home, don’t forget socks or bootees
The First 3 Months
If bottlefeeding (couldn’t tell you for breastfeeding, although I know you need breasts and a bit of willpower as a minimum!);
Bottles - 6 or more, I found 9 the optimum.
Sterilizer - Microwaveable version is adequate
Bottle Warmer - We used it, but not for long.
A Cot and Bedding
A Changing Mat/Station - plus nappy changing paraphernalia
Some clothes, but lots of vests and sleepsuits
A Few Toys - A jingly ball that cost a pound was the favourite here
Dummies - If you plan to use them
A Car Seat
A Pram/Buggy
And I think that’s it..
Can anyone think of anythingelse, we’re just talking the bare minimum here…
16 Responses to “Pregnancy & Newborn Inventory: What I ACTUALLY Needed”
My son lived in his swing. It was a simple (i.e. cheap) wind up one.
And, sorry, shameless plug….one thing you should DEFINITELY have is an iTunes subscription to Dr. Mike’s podcast: Pediacast! (www.pediacast.org)
Stumbled you! Great article!
My suggestion for you is a couple of changes of PJs for the hospital, hormones kick in after you have the baby and you might perspires from those hormone fluctuating/ I did, I had a couple of horrible hot flashes and i was soaked.
Also, a robe would be nice too in case you need to take a walk and feel chilly.
Some lip balm for dry lips and mint gum to freshen your breath in case of surprise visitors. happy baby!
After I gave birth, all my visitors brought flowers and balloons. The best gift I ever got was a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies! Perfect for those late night feedings when all the nurses have disappeared! LOL!
Thanks guys
Pediacast is great, I can definitely second that.
Mary, you’re so right about the multiple sets of jammies. I prefer a hoody to a robe, but I’m a bit of a yob
Food is always nice K!!
Nice tip about the top-quality wash products. Wish I’d thought of that one. How about music? We took a Discman CD player in too for the actual birth. That worked quite well.
Too right about the food and snacks! Orange juice would have been good.
I took the ‘wrong kind’ of nighties in - all frilly and white. Not very practical.
Sore boobs - goodness yes. Husband got me cabbage leaves to help with the pain.
if you are bf-ing at home then you need a large jug (with a lid preferably) to keep full of juice or water by your side - you drink gallons and for the first few weeks the babe can be sort of permafeeding so you can’t just wander off and grab a drink.
You also need several really soft bath sheets to lay on your bed - waking up in a puddle of milk isn’t fun!
Nice list!
I once posted a list of things that might be included in a gift basket for nursing moms:
http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2005/10/gift-basket-for-nursing-mom.html
I was never big enough to even wear maternity pants. That made me happy. But now!! I only have big jeans and stuffs.
Makes me sad.
My baby days were decades ago, so things might have changed, but one thing I found invaluable in the hospital were socks! My feet stayed cold all the time (but then.. that might just be me! I still have problems with cold feet.)
Also, I found that if I got myself a glass of milk or juice everytime I nursed, it made things easier.
Great suggestions! The best advice I got shopping for maternity clothes was to buy big. Especially if it’s your first pregnancy. Because if you’re never had a baby before, it’s really easy to underestimate how big you can get. And you can get big.
The TV remote - for breastfeeding hours
Or an easy-to-read novel - for breatfeeding hours if you’ve had enough sleep to try for a book instead of daytime telly
great post. and i agree, most of what you’re told u need, you don’t. i gravitated toward simple, cost-effective solutions for most everything. and you need sleep! wish they sold that.
Nice list! It only shows that pregnancy is something to look forward to.
And do not forget to bring your hubby!:-)
-Jan
Yeah, sleep’s a good one nicki
and a hubby can be very helpful too!!
That is a very helpful list, I have been looking for a easy to read inventory. That you and baby thanks you as well !
— jean
you guys are funny and also very helpful! this is my first pregnancy and im kind of afraid to actually see how huge ill get! i am only 10 weeks and i look about 3 or more! lol