When I was a new mom, I confess, I got very lost! The first time was, in a way, quite messy, so today as a very experienced mom I’m going to share some tips for first-time mothers. Women who, like me, feel lost in this new world of discoveries that is the first pregnancy, first child, and so on. What should you really buy? What should you take to the maternity hospital? What are the essentials for the mother’s and baby’s layette? Tips for first-time moms that help you save money when putting together the layette and save time.
Tip 1: Make a list of what you really need, including clothes. The list is important for two reasons. With it, you will focus on what you really need to buy and won’t go around spending left and right on beautiful and wonderful things that stores have. The list makes it easier both at the time of purchase and to know what you already have so you don’t buy duplicates. For a newborn baby, some things are completely unnecessary, while others are not. For example:
1 large bag and 1 small bag: the large one you will use at the hospital and on trips; it is worth weighing the pros and cons of buying a set of 3 pieces or separately.
Nursing pillow: a very important item for first-time moms. This pillow brings comfort for the woman who is breastfeeding and later to elevate the baby1. This item is worth investing in, as it will be used for quite some time.
Another good example is clothing. Some items have gone out of fashion or are not used as much, but some pieces are very useful and affordable options to replace the more expensive ones. Swaddling cloths, for example. They are useful and very versatile. They can easily replace cloth diapers and also burp cloths. They are very good for placing on the changing pad to prevent the baby from coming into contact with the cold plastic during diaper changes. Another item that has fallen out of use, but is still very helpful, is the nasal aspirator! This is an inexpensive item and is sorely missed when the baby has a cold. This one is very worth having on the list.
What Is Dispensable and What Is Really Necessary?
One item that can be left off the layette list is powder, perfume and scented oils. You never know if the baby will be allergic2. In fact, it is advisable that the mother avoids using perfumes in excess on the child. The recommended products are always unscented, neutral glycerin-based soaps. Other more expensive items like baby monitors are not so essential, unless you have a large house and the baby won’t be staying with the parents, or will be alone in the room without a nanny. We can’t forget about hangers for organizing the clothes. By the way, clothing is a frequent doubt among moms. What do you really need for the first months of the baby’s life?
- 10 long-sleeve bodysuits Avise a família que só receberá visitas com aviso prévio, isto controlará a quantidade de pessoas por vez.[/caption]
- 10 short-sleeve bodysuits
- 10 pants with or without feet
- 10 P size onesies
- 10 M size onesies
- 5 plush jackets (if it’s winter)
- Socks, mittens and hats
- 2 towel-diapers
- 5 swaddling cloths
- 5 cloth diapers
- 1 crib set
- 1 microfiber blanket
- 1 shawl/blanket
- 1 comforter
- 3 bibs
- 3 sheet and pillowcase sets
- 1 bathtub
- 1 multi-purpose stroller
- 1 infant car seat
Prefer onesies with front closure and also avoid bows and ribbons around the neck—these can tighten and possibly choke the baby. The same advice goes for snap fasteners, excessive ruffles, and tulle on clothes. They are uncomfortable and can hurt the baby. As for shoes, they are items desired by moms, but they’re not very useful. So, have a few, but avoid stuffing the closet because they’re not used much and the baby outgrows them quickly. Replace shoe expenses with diapers! Those will be in constant use and are part of the daily routine of baby and first-time mother.
Hygiene items like a set with a thermos and porcelain jars are dispensable, but you can have them as decoration in the bedroom. Make sure you have plenty of cotton balls and also those flat pads for removing makeup to clean the baby’s bottom, as well as soft baby wipes for when you go out. Also have cotton swabs, 1 bottle of 70% alcohol, and gauze.
Tip 2: Buy the furniture in advance. This is a tip for first-time moms that can make all the difference! Did you know that baby furniture stores take forever to deliver? Yes! It’s not uncommon for the crib, wardrobe, and dresser to be delivered on the eve of the birth. Therefore, don’t leave it to the last minute. The sooner you place the order, the better. If buying in retail stores, make sure of the delivery deadline so you’re not left in a bind.
- 1 crib
- 1 dresser
- 1 wardrobe
Avoid impulsive purchases. Research a lot before buying. The difference in price and quality of furniture from one store to another can be shocking! Even if you really like something, wait a bit and think before you hand over a considerable amount.
Tip 3: Visit the maternity hospitals where you intend to give birth. Regardless of whether you want a normal delivery, natural delivery, or C-section, it’s best to visit your candidate maternity hospitals to see what facilities they offer and if you are satisfied with them. Do this around the 5th month of pregnancy, so you’ll have time to consider other options.
Tip 4: Create a birth plan with your doctor. A precious tip for first-time moms: talk to your doctor and make a plan about what you want and don’t want during labor3. This will ensure that everything happens just the way you always dreamed, or at least comes very close. If any unforeseen issue comes up, don’t worry. Remember, the most important thing is that your baby is born healthy.
Tip 5: Ask that visits to the newborn be scheduled. This is a very important item! Let friends and family know that you will receive visits, but ask them to notify you before coming. Do it politely so no one gets upset, but it is important that the new mom knows who is coming and how many people she will have to welcome that day. That way, you will avoid stress and fatigue for both mother and baby.
Also see: What to Take to the Maternity Hospital? Packing the Bag
Photo: gleicebueno.com portfolio, Kelly Hunter
