Becoming a mother is the most miraculous feeling a human being can experience. During pregnancy and delivery your body is put through the ringer, but the second you hold your newborn baby, it’s all worth it.
I’m not going to lie. Being a mom is no easy job, especially if it’s your first time having a child. Luckily, there are a lot of products that have made motherhood a whole easier. Here’s a look at some of my favorites:
Products for Building an Essential Breastfeeding Kit
In recent years, a lot of new information has come out about the importance of breastfeeding. While it can be a pain in the boobs at times, it’s much healthier for your baby. The good news is there are a lot of products that make breastfeeding more convenient.
The most important product is a good breast pump. There are two versions you can choose from: a manual hand pump or an electric pump that does the work for you. Whichever you choose the two most important features are durability and portability. Two brands that are worth considering are Avent and Medela.
BabyCubby is a great one-stop shop for putting together a breastfeeding kit with everything you need. They have an awesome selection of individual pumps and entire systems plus a whole lot more. Additional products that are essential to making the breastfeeding experience easier include:
- · Storage bottles with nipples
- · A breastfeeding pillow
- · Cloth sling
- · Nursing pads
- · Nursing bra
- · Burp cloths
- · Bag to keep everything in
Don’t forget to pamper yourself a little. Breastfeeding is deceptively exhausting and at times painful. There are a number of products that are specifically designed to keep your nipples healthy. A soothing, all-natural nipple cream is a must. Hot and cold gel pads can also provide much-needed relief.
Products for Creating an Awesome Diaper Changing Station
Most new moms are surprised by how much time is spent changing a newborn’s diaper. They usually go through 10-14 a day. Since you’ll be changing an ungodly amount of diapers, a highly functional diaper changing station can save a lot of time.
Just about any flat surface can double as a changing table as long as you have a cushioned pad to lay your baby on. There are also cribs that can convert into a changing table as needed. If you can afford one, a purpose-built changing station is the best bet since it has storage for keeping all your diaper products and rails to keep your baby from rolling off the table.
Whichever option you use, make sure a few drawers are within reach and cleared out. In the top drawer keep the following:
- · Diapers
- · Inserts if you’re using cloth diapers
- · Wipes
- · Diaper cream
Right next to the changing station have a diaper disposal can ready and waiting. These are a great place to keep used diapers before they get tossed or washed because they keep the odor from escaping. Keep additional can liners in one of the changing station drawers.
Your setup will differ slightly depending on whether you use disposable diapers or cloth diapers. I personally prefer cloth diapers because they are much more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers will cost more upfront but they will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in the long run.
A great diaper bag is another must for taking your changing station on the go. It should be large enough to hold literally everything but not so large that you can’t hold it along with a car seat/carrier.
Products for a Quick and Clean Bath Time
Newborn babies get their bottoms cleaned many times a day, but a full-on bath is only needed every other day to prevent dry skin. Thank goodness, because baby bath time not nearly as simple as hopping in the shower. However, I came up with a system that made things much easier and enjoyable for baby.
A cushioned pad that can be laid out on the counter or changing table helps to contain the water and makes the bath much more comfortable for your baby. You can also use a thick towel. Once I’ve got that laid out I’d grab my shower caddy with the must-have baby bath products:
- · Gentle baby shampoo
- · Mild moisturizing baby soap
- · Soft sponge
- · Small bowl for clean water and rinsing
- · Wipes
- · Hooded baby towel
- · Clean diaper
The caddy makes it quick and easy because everything I need is already there. Leaving baby mid-bath just isn’t an option, so you’ll also avoid having to stop and swaddle your baby back up.
If you aren’t bathing the baby right by the sink you’ll also need a plastic or inflatable baby tub. Some moms also simply prefer a tub. One that looks really neat is the 4Moms infant sink tub, which lets clean water in and flushes out the dirty water. A baby tub that goes in the bathtub can be convenient since splash over won’t have to be cleaned up. If you’re bathing in the tub a cushy bath mat is a knee saver.
There you have it – three systems and the corresponding products that can make motherhood much easier on new mothers and their newborns!
