Congratulations on the baby! Motherhood is a crazy, happy, and frantic endeavor. You’ll never have a dull moment from the first time you feel your baby moving for the rest of your life. And while you’ll soon learn that motherhood is actually pretty easy, a little advice from ladies who’ve gone before you never hurts. The following will describe five supplies every first-time mother will need to make motherhood just a little easier.
Diaper Bag
Yes, the tried and true diaper bag will be a necessity. Not only do they hold the obvious, modern diaper bags also have special warming pockets for bottles. Not to mention plenty of pockets for everything from your wallet to teething rings. Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice fashion for function, as diaper bags now come in several textiles, patterns, and styles to suit any momma’s busy lifestyle.
3-in-1 Stroller
Once you get the hang of switching from stroller to car seat to bassinet, you will quickly see why having a snap-in 3-in-1 is preferable to 3 separate items. They’re usually cheaper overall, easier to use, and help to keep your stress levels down even on your busiest days. We highly recommend the Colugo Complete stroller for a variety of reasons you can read here.
Burp Rags
This is often one of those items that get overlooked, but having a plethora of burp rags can be very helpful when you’re having one of those days. Because as great as motherhood is, we all have one of those days that we haven’t had enough sleep, the laundry is piling up, and we’ve somehow ended up with spit up – or worse – in our hair. Burp rags can help you keep smelling fresh, reduce wardrobe changes and laundry, and make your baby just a little comfier when he or she is already cranky.
Breast Pump
Whether you’re blessed with an abundance of milk, or you’re trying to up your production, a breast pump can be extremely helpful. It can also help to keep your flow steady even when the baby is waxing and waning when it comes to feeding. You may even be able to score a free breast pump. You can see if your insurance will send you one for free or check out your local pregnancy resource center or program.
A Great Support System
Okay, it may not be a “supply”, but it is essential. Possibly the most important part of new motherhood is having the proper support system. You’ll want to have plenty of mental, emotional, and physical support.
Make sure you’re open and honest with your doctor if you’re feeling depressed. Postpartum depression is real, plenty of moms experience it, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
But even without PPD, you’ll find that with the new “sleep” schedule, you might not always be on top of cooking and chores, the height of style, or even sure if you’ve showered that day. Having friends and family who can and will help you and spend time with you is crucial.
These are just five essential items, but there are still plenty of things you’ll need – and want – for your baby. Check out this guide for a more detailed list of pretty much anything and everything you and baby might need.
