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BR: please help me with my checklist (kind of long, sorry)
I've made myself an Excel spreadsheet (wheee! revel in the nerdiness!) of all of the baby stuff we need, along with how much it costs etc. Anyway, I need some help working on the checklist of stuff we still need.
There are all kinds of nursery checklists online, but most of them involve things that I would consider optional - since I feel like we're kind of hemorrhaging money on baby gear right now, this is basically an "Only What We Need To Survive" kind of list, and I want to get this stuff checked off before we move on to anything else like cute decorating items or whatever.
Note: We already have quite a few onesies and I'm presuming that between my work shower and MIL we'll get even more clothes (everyone loves buying baby outfits!), so they're not on this list.
WHAT WE HAVE
* cribs x2
* crib mattresses x2
* changing table
* rocking chair (free)
* double stroller
* carseats x2
WHAT WE NEED
* diapers
* fitted crib sheets (yes I want the bedding sets, but this is a Survival list lol)
* bottles (so Ben can help with feeding)
* slings/wraps/carriers (am thinking Ergo baby carrier and either Maya or Moby wrap? will need something as stroller won't arrive for approx 1 month after their birth, am open to suggestions)
* stroller rain cover (they'll be born right before winter)
* diaper bag or something else to carry stuff
* baby monitor
* changing mat cover(s)
* sleepsacks
WHAT WE POSSIBLY NEED
* breast pump (holding off on this to make sure I have a good milk supply - we'll need bottles either way though, which is why it's in the other category)
* bathing stuff (shampoo, lotion, etc. - I often see it given at showers so may not have to buy it)
* Miracle Blankets or other swaddling blankets (necessary? not necessary? depends on the baby?)
Questions...
Keeping in mind that this is a Survival Needs Only list, have I left anything out?
Is there anything not on this list that isn't necessarily Survival Only but that you'd want anyway?
And just for fun, is there anything totally unnecessary that you like or want?
Bonus question: when would you want to make sure you had all of this stuff by (presuming your baby would likely be born at around 36 weeks, not 40)?
Re: BR: please help me with my checklist (kind of long, sorry)
I met not be the best source, b/c my monster just turned 8. Here is what I remember to be important that is not yet on your list.
Pacifier - MimiMam makes them small enough for infants
Bibs and burpy clothes - you'll realize you need those in an unfortunate way. Get the bibs with snaps. The velcro bibs are the dumbest thing ever. The velcro undoes itself in the wash and sticks to everything else, leaving nasty scruff marks.
God bless my boobs! I had no trouble. However, there are all sorts of things in that category that other people needed... some kind of nipple something for people who did not have good nipples (didn't ask, but maybe inverted or something), udder cream (again, didn't ask), and some kind of pads (didn't ask, but was told by my friend that milk gushed out, baby or not... she also said she slept with dish towels on her boobs. ah-h-h)
Special hypoallergenic laundry soap for babies
One thing of infant formula just in case there is a problem
No one ever listens to me on this, but I'll throw my advice out again: buy preemie clothes!!! If you want cute baby pics at the hospital, you cannot put your babies in 0-3 month clothes. A preemie size would be perfect.
Any kind of extra camera and extra batteries. I would grab a few of the old disposable kodaks just in case.
Pack two suitcases with everything you, H and babies will need. Put one in the car and one by the door. I only packed one and my sh!tty first husband did not bring it. We had no diapers and other essentials. Grr. Be overprepared.
I would also pack clothes in a few sizes for yourself. I've heard people say that they were so swollen from their meds that they were bigger than when they went in! I had a maternity shirt and it was huge.
Bring a robe. If you end up walking around in the gown with the back open, people will see your boohiney.
I was a big fan of baby hats. I felt like it kept her warm and snuggly.
That's all I can think of for you and babes for now. If I think of more, I'll post again.
YAY! It's getting closer.
Newlyweds since 2007
Yes and no. I did look into this, but because I don't live in a major city, it will be fairly expensive - $200 to rent the pump from an online company + $200 refundable deposit. Buying the same pump outright will only cost about $220. So I'm feeling like it may be a better option to use the hospital one while I'm there (they don't rent them from my local hospital, but they do have them for mothers to use), and then buy one of my own.
i'll come back later and give a more detailed response (gotta take care of A right now) but my initial thoughts are these
- you need some kind of swaddling blankets...doesn't matter what kind but you need something. newborns just prefer being swaddled and sleep better that way
- fitted crib sheets - i hate changing the fitted sheet on my crib mattress, such a pain b/c the mattress is supposed to be a snug fit in the crib so lifting it out and putting it back takes too much of my time (yeah i know - i'm lazy). get the ultimate crib sheets to place on top - these can be quickly removed/washed and put back. technically not a must have until they are more mobile b/c initially you can use any kind of sheet and just lay it down and it will serve the same function...the ultimate crib sheet becomes more impt once there is the possibility of them moving around and disturbing the sheet and getting it over their face (it has elastic fasteners to prevent this). but w/babies spitting up all the time, it's a must to have something you can easily pull out and wash for the crib
- breast pump - consider getting a cheap manual pump and not opening it initially...but have it on hand in case of an emergency, i.e. clogged duct where you will want relief ASAP w/o sending Ben out to buy one (plus if it's the middle of the night he can't get one til morning and pumping by hand to get a clog out would suck). sure, nursing is the best treatment for a clogged duct but if they won't nurse enough to get rid of it, you need to pump. if you continue BFing, then you can return the manual pump and get the electric.
Jaime & Brent
Oahu, Hawaii | Sept. 9, 2005
My Food Blog - Good Eats 'n Sweet Treats
Yes, great idea! A manual would be perfect at first. I still use my sometimes when I just want to express a little.
Oh good idea! I'll go do some comparison shopping online to find a good price on one right now.
I'm looking for these but can't seem to find them...not sure they're sold in Australia?
WHAT WE NEED
* diapers
* fitted crib sheets (yes I want the bedding sets, but this is a Survival list lol)
* bottles (so Ben can help with feeding)
This isn't an issue in the US as they have banned the use of BPA chemicals in plastics but Australia has yet to do so. So, maybe look into BPA-free bottles. Medela bottles are BPA-Free but here's a couple more:
http://www.smartbabybottle.com.au/
http://www.thinkbabybottles.com/
* slings/wraps/carriers (am thinking Ergo baby carrier and either Maya or Moby wrap? will need something as stroller won't arrive for approx 1 month after their birth, am open to suggestions)
The ErgoBaby Carrier is SO good and I totally recommend them for when your boys are a little older. I carried Maya around in it everywhere (on the long flights to Hawaii and Canada etc) and at home I preferred it to the stroller.
I'm doing some research on what carrier to use with a newborn too and will share anything I learn with ya if you want. Or you can share with me!
* stroller rain cover (they'll be born right before winter)
This is a must! See if you can get a sun/UV shade cover too too. It's the most used item on Maya's stroller. Walking around outside to get her to sleep in the stroller meant that I relied on it a lot as it darkens the pram pretty well. Aso, if you're walking facing the sun, the bebeh's will appreciate the shade cover.
* diaper bag or something else to carry stuff
I also have to look around and find a diaper bag that will hang off the back of the double stroller. I had a diaper bag with a detachable change mat on it that I could hang off the back of Maya's stroller and it was a godsend.
* baby monitor
* changing mat cover(s)
For Maya's change mat, I have about 6 pieces of soft, thick squares of material. They are about twice the width of the change table top but I fold them in half to fit. They were given to me as baby blankets/wraps (I think) hand-me-downs and you can find them at second hand stores in the baby section or even go to a fabric store and buy some material.
* sleepsacks
Like the others before me said, I'd wait on these as the boys need swaddling at the beginning. However, I've been looking at these and I'm thinking of giving them a try:
http://www.lovemebaby.com.au/babySwaddle_swaddle.htm#benefits
Otherwise, I've heard rave reviews (on Babyology and Amazon, as well as other places) on the Aden & Anais wraps:
http://www.amazon.com/Aden-Anais-Muslin-Wraps-4-Pack/dp/B001ACOOMWWHAT WE POSSIBLY NEED
* breast pump (holding off on this to make sure I have a good milk supply - we'll need bottles either way though, which is why it's in the other category)
I agree with the others, wait at least a week or so on buying an electric breastpump. Use a manual one until then. Medela are good.
The midwives told me that they don't recommend using an electric one until your milk comes in anyway (which can take a few days or so).
I also second the advice re. getting a couple of nipple shields. I relied on them totally to breastfeed Maya, for the first 5-6 mths of her life. I don't think I would have been able to continue breastfeeding her if it wasn't for the nipple shields actually. I had either inverted or flat nipples (somewhere in the middle?) so Maya had a world of trouble latching on because...well, initially, there was nothing sticking out for her to latch onto lol.
The midwives and lactation consultants that I had recommended the large size for all women as a general rule.
http://www.nursingangel.com.au/p/501529/medela-contact-nipple-shields-1-pair.html. (there's a photo of a bewb on there so don't click on link if you're at work).I think women who don't have inverted/flat nipples use them too because they're just really helpful in the beginning when you're learning to breastfeed. There's also the added benefit of not having to put up with cracked nipples and the like too, especially if you use them in conjunction with Lasinoh Nipple Balm or PawPaw cream.
I found subscribing to the Australian Breastfeeding Assocation was helpful too for when I needed help/advice re. breastfeeding
* bathing stuff (shampoo, lotion, etc. - I often see it given at showers so may not have to buy it)
I recently found these guys: http://www.moogoo.com.au/ and ordered the Moogoo Body Wash and the Moogoo Shampoo off them and got my order a week ago.
No chemicals in the products, good for the whole family (I bought them initially for Maya and the baby but Josh and I are using it too, it's sooooo good.)
Their customer service is excellent. They sent a trial size jar of their udder cream and I use it as a facial moisterizer and love it, so I am giving up my long-used Oil of Olay and switching to Udder Cream.
And the scents! Ohhhh the shampoo, body wash and Udder cream smell divine! Maya smells like sweet milk after her showers and even the next day, I just want to gobble her up!
Josh was telling a girl he works with about it and how they have a cream for people suffering eczema and the like and she went and ordered it because her son suffers from it. Apparently her son's eczema cleared up after a couple of days of using it.
Anyway, the products they sell are such that I am giving up my Body Shop facial cleanser and regular moisturizer and Josh is giving up his shave gel etc and we're just going to use their body wash and Udder Cream. So, we'll be saving money there.
* Miracle Blankets or other swaddling blankets (necessary? not necessary? depends on the baby?)
Questions...
Keeping in mind that this is a Survival Needs Only list, have I left anything out?
Not sure what you're going to use re. wipes but I use make-up remover wipes (a generic brand) and have a ceramic container (an unused mug or the like) in reach of the change table. In winter, I'd just fill up the mug with warm water and dip the wipes in. If you were going this route, I'd stock up on double packs of those.
Is there anything not on this list that isn't necessarily Survival Only but that you'd want anyway?
Homedics Lullaby SoundSpa (aka baby crack machine). I picked up one, secondhand, from Ebay for like $20 or so. However, Maya has fallen in love with it so we MIGHT have to get another one for bub lol.
http://www.homedics.com.au/products/sensory/homedics-lullaby-soundspatm.htmlAnd just for fun, is there anything totally unnecessary that you like or want?
Oh...only thing that pops into my head at the moment is the Hushamok Baby Hammock. We're hiring a baby hammock (Amby Baby) so I'm still getting a hammock...just not the one I really want lol. Doesn't matter. Turns out to be $80 total for 3 mths hire of the hammock which isn't bad.
Bonus question: when would you want to make sure you had all of this stuff by (presuming your baby would likely be born at around 36 weeks, not 40)?
I like to have everything ready so that I can relax and know it's there so I'd say about 30 weeks or so.
LOL! I did the exact.same.thing. Nerds unite!
95% of what I got at my work shower was clothing. Thankfully most of it was 6-9 month sized, which I didn't have that much of already. 99% of my gifts were not from our registry.
Questions...
Keeping in mind that this is a Survival Needs Only list, have I left anything out?
RE: Moby...I'd chose that over an Ergo to start. You can wear both babies in a Moby wrap, if need be, especially the first month. And if you DIY yours you can get TWO made for about $20. Instructions in my Blog. Super easy! Then you can look online for different ways to wear your babies in the wrap(s). YouTube has good videos.
RE: Sheets. Even if you get a coordinated crib set you'll want extra fitted sheets. I got several second hand. I got some flannel ones as well as as some t-shirt/knit ones since they are "warmer" to lay baby upon, especially in the winter/fall. I also got some regular, cotton percale ones for summer/spring. You may be able to find a "lot" of used ones on eBay or something. Some new mommies swear by layering sheets on the crib for nighttime changes, if need be. You put a waterproof pad then sheet, then waterproof pad, then sheet, etc. for three layers. Then, when you have to pull off wet/soiled sheets the other one is below, clean and ready to go.
Wipes....we're doing cloth. For twins I'd say you'd need at least 3-4 dozen if you're washing diapers every other day. If you chose sposies, get a couple packages. Not essential, but I got a wipes warmer for $6. My friends swear by it for nighttime changes, especially.
Also, diaper pail with wet bag liner(s). We got a regular, plastic kitchen trash can (with lid) for $5 and added to Wahmies wet bag liners (to rotate on wash days).
CD-friendly detergent. Also baby-friendly detergent for their clothes. We're using the same detergent for both (organic, free and clear stuff...unscented, etc.) www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com has a great chart for detergent comparisons.
Hamper for babies clothes (we just got a regular laundry basket dedicated to Libby's clothes)...we plan to wash her clothes separately from ours.
Swaddling blankets and other (fleecy or knit) blankets. Swaddling blankets for sleep, etc. and the other ones to use in the stroller, carseat, on the floor for tummy time, to change baby upon in places where there are no other options, etc.
Nursing pillow (they have one specifically for tandem nursing which would probably be essential in your case).
For you - Lanisoh, breast pads (disposable or reusable), nipple shields (if you need them), nursing tanks, nursing bras (I plan to but these after my milk has come in and settled down a bit), etc. Also, super maxi pads, witch hazel, ice packs and grannie panties for postpartum. Boob-friendly tops and PJs (I didn't get nursing PJs, but did get some that button down the front).
Also, socks, caps, onsies, etc. Most people don't generally purchase these clothing items as gifts. They tend to purchase "outfits." At least that was the case for us.
Washcloths and hooded towels. The ones made for babies are a finer terry than the regular, everyday ones we use.
Burp cloths. You can DIY your own out of prefolds (cheap ones) or cut up flannel swaddling blankets.
Terry bibs...for spit up, drooling, etc. I got a pack of 12 as a gift...so handy!
Perhaps some pacifiers, just in case your boys are the kind of babies that need them. I ordered two soothies for Libby, just in case.
First Aid items...nasal aspirator, thermometer, etc. Baby toiletries like nail clippers/file, brush/comb, etc. Diaper balm (CD friendly), lotion, baby wash (I have read that babies don't need soap, etc. but I did pick up some organic trial sized ones, just in case).
Waterproof mattress covers...for the inevitable. Also waterproof "lap pads"...I got some used ones (flannel with plastic in between the layers) and plan to use them in the co-sleeper, crib, changing pad, etc.
RE: Breast Pump...I plan to rent one for the first month and then, if all is well, buy a Medela FreeStyle. My friend also recommended a manual one to have on hand...she said her hospital sent her home with one.
RE: Bottles...I agree with Renee...I got two "starter" packs for newborns...one is First Year's Breastflow (supposed to imitate the mother's breast) and Playtex Drop-Ins (which I used with my nephew).
I also got Milk Freezer trays to freeze pumped milk (I prefer this to the storage bags that many mommies use).
Is there anything not on this list that isn't necessarily Survival Only but that you'd want anyway?
With twins I'd recommend at least one (two would be better) swings or bouncy seats (or one of each to share between the two babies). I have a friend with new twins and she swears that she could not live without their bouncy seats. They are handy when you cannot hold both babies, or their are fussy but don't want to be held, etc. I would imagine you could find some decent but used ones for not a lot of money.
Activity gym(s) or other toys for tummy time. Again, with two you will find that at one time or another you won't have enough hands to manage them, so having a place for at least one to play, etc. will be good.
Books...we had two kid books. Thankfully we got a few more at my shower and then I signed up for a kid's book club. So now we have about 10 books that are age-appropriate for age 2 and under. We plan to read to Libby daily. When she's a little older (2 months, maybe) we'll venture to the library too.
Sound machine. We got one that has like 10 options and can run on batteries and be plugged in.
Night light. We got this cool one that projects stars on the ceiling...you can select between a green, blue or amber light. It puts out just enough light that I'll be able to use it when BFing or checking on Libby without disturbing J or her.
And just for fun, is there anything totally unnecessary that you like or want?
Baby book.
Footprint keepsake.
Hair bows and headbands.
Picky Stickies for monthly photos (thanks to Hawaiian Honey I got them as a gift).
Decorative Wall Decals and Wall Art.
Mobile.
Twin Trundle Bed with new mattresses.
Lullaby CDs.
Random toys...I got an softsided bird house that rattles, squeaks, etc. as well as some toys that'll clip onto the carseat, stroller, etc. And the oball that Malia recommended.
Bonus question: when would you want to make sure you had all of this stuff by (presuming your baby would likely be born at around 36 weeks, not 40)?
I finalized the essentials THIS WEEK! Baby is coming on Monday. D'oh! Installed the baby monitor last night (we got the Angel Care Sound and Movement Monitor).
TTC/PG Blog | Mommy Blog
Everyone gave great suggestions and advice.... a few extra things that I found really useful were:
- extra large receiving blankets. A friend made them for me and we used them for swaddling.
- a swing. Elyse screamed bloody murder from 4am-8am the first week of her life until we tried out the swing. She loves it! I know all babies are different but it puts her out like a light.
- toys with lights. Elyse stares at lights. In the early weeks she just stared towards regular lights or windows, so we bought her toys with flashy lights on them that we play with during tummy time or on the acitivity mat.
- Lansinoh cream for your nipples. Apply everytime you feed the boys.
For you
- extra jammies with button down fronts. I had the sweats every night (still do sometimes) to the point where i was soaking wet when I woke up to go feed Elyse, so I would have to change my jammies. Having warm snuggly ones was nice because it's winter here.
- on the same note, I bought an extra set of sheets for our bed (we now have three) so that I could just swap them out every couple of days and not have to worry about washing right away. I hated sleeping in sweaty sheets.
- tylenol... I know this is basic, but for some reason we had NO pain medication in our house! And remember to take it every four hours... don't wait until your hurting to take it.
Married Bio
Your list sounds a lot like mine, although mine is only in my head. Aside from the stroller, car seat, crib, breast pump, and infant carriers, my main priority was stocking up on diapering necessities.
**For carrying baby, I plan to get an Ergo later, but for more immediate use I purchased a Moby and a Balboa Baby Sling: http://tinyurl.com/yhmnnzm.
Like Lori said, if you can make your own Moby, that'd be great. I got my carriers on sale from BrU for about 25% off -- probably wouldn't have bought them full price.
**I am not getting sleep sacks yet -- I am searching for used miracle blankets ($30/ea. is so much!), but if I don't find any, I have these as back-ups:
Carter's Wrap Me Up Receiving Blankets (extra long for swaddling, $15 for 4): http://tinyurl.com/yek5k6s
Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe MicroFleece (was $7.50 on Amazon, so planning to try it): http://tinyurl.com/ygsmpu4
**I haven't bought any bathing products for baby or too many clothes. (I did invest in some side-snap tops, which I've heard are great...like Renee said) I also only bought one pack each of washcloths, towels, bibs, blankets, etc. because I've already started getting those as gifts. I also have a small stack of basic white Gerber prefolds for use as burp cloths.
**I have a diaper bag on my registry, but if it doesn't get gifted, I will probably go the non-diaper-bag route and pick up something cheaper that would suffice -- lots of pockets, lining, easy access, etc. (Just like wedding stuff, sometimes specialty baby stuff is overpriced "just because" and not entirely necessary...)
**Popular extras: We don't have any good consignment stores here and CL sucks, but I have found TONS of great baby books at thrift stores and on the library giveaway shelf. Everyone tends to buy the same popular titles. Just bought 6 yesterday for $2.75! (All the baby, birthing, and breastfeeding books I've bought have been attained in the same manner) Maybe you can find those little extras used, now or later.
GL... my sister had twins, so I know first hand how pricey everything can get!
Okay, I am nothing like you prepared ladies! I wish I could be more "on it" and organized like you lovely ladies.
All I know is that in the very beginning you just need:
-something to change them with (diapers) and on (changing table or pad). We just changed Brooke on the floor (on a changing mat of course) since day 1 and I'm glad we didn't buy an actual table because it would be very hard to change her now that she's so mobile.
-some place for them to sleep (bed, crib, co-sleeper, pack-n-play, bassinett)
-something for them to eat (your boobs; if not, formula and bottles). Thank GOD I produced milk because we didn't even think about this... didn't have bottles or formula if my milk hadn't come in! Oh, and if you're BF, then something for support, like the Boppy or My Brest Friend and that stuff you put on your boobs when you first start BF (Lansinoh or something along those lines)
-something for them to wear
-something to bathe them with/in (soap, small towels and POSSIBLY a infant tub, but if not, your sink will work fine)
Everything else is extra and you will figure it out as you go along. It sounds like you have everything you "need." We didn't buy swaddling blankets, just used the one from the hospital and it worked fine. We were given a swing, but Brooke hated it and preferred the bouncer (which wasn't given to us until after 2 months)
As far as something that I would have "wanted"-- definitely professional newborn photos. I was tired and didn't schedule any. Still haven't
And I would try to make sure I had the "essentials" around 4 weeks before they are supposed to be born. So for you, maybe 30-32 weeks? Better safe than sorry.
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I totally agree - I got tons of clothes, even when I only had a small work shower... my mom bought us tons and then other people sent us stuff. we got a bunch of Tshirts from the hospital too and DD wore those a lot when she was little as it made diaper changes easier in the middle of the night - no snaps like on the onesies to worry about. "pants" are totally optional IMO except for going out and really then it's only for appearances - unless it is cold outside, then it's more for warmth. Also don't buy regular blankets b/c you will get a million from other people.
WHAT WE NEED* diapers
get as many as you can while you're in the hospital!
* fitted crib sheets (yes I want the bedding sets, but this is a Survival list lol)
I saw that you don't have ultimate crib sheets in AUS - ask your mom to check Ross, TJMaxx, etc as I have seen them there. You won't have them right away but at least you can have them later. Like I said in my pp, you don't need these exact ones in the first few weeks when they are not rolling around anyway - just get something you can lay across the crib under them that you can take out and wash easily (the ultimate crib sheets are nicer though b/c they have a waterproof layer under the cotton layer). You can also get a prefold CD and set it under their heads so if they spit up or drool you don't have to change the sheets too - I would get a dozen PFs even if you dont' plan to use them on their bums b/c you can use them for this, as burp cloths, and as doublers when they become heavier wetters.
* bottles (so Ben can help with feeding)
I would just get a few, not too many in case they are picky about the type of nipple used and then you'll have to try different ones. Also keep in mind that while some babies do just fine with a bottle from week 1, some do develop nipple confusion if they have not learned to latch properly on your boob before the introduction of the bottle nipple. You can always go out and get more if you need them.
* slings/wraps/carriers (am thinking Ergo baby carrier and either Maya or Moby wrap? will need something as stroller won't arrive for approx 1 month after their birth, am open to suggestions)
when i went to the baby boutique that sold CDs and baby carriers that person there said that she liked the moby best for NBs but if you only want to buy ONE carrier ever then she'd recommend the Maya wrap. i think the moby wrap has a steeper learning curve than the Maya - i find the moby has soooooo much fabric that it's a little cumbersome and i have not gotten used to that yet. the Maya wrap is nice b/c you can get one size (large) and both you and Ben can share it vs slings like the hostling or peanut shell where you would need different sizes for each person. I have heard great things about the Ergo as well and tried that on too but I think that one also requires an infant insert?? (or was it the Beco?) and it's already at a higher price point than the Maya. that said, I think the Maya wrap is for 8+ lbs and your LOs won't be that big for a little while...
* stroller rain cover (they'll be born right before winter)
* diaper bag or something else to carry stuff
I love this bag - simple, cheap, and very functional. it has lots of pockets, opens up like a doctor's medical bag (those old fashioned ones) so you can see everything in it vs digging into the deep abyss of some diaper bags. it comes w/a changing pad and wet bag as well. Plus you can often find coupons for Lands End.
* baby monitor
we have this one and I love it b/c it's cheaper than the handheld ones we initially looked at. it's not handheld but it is small and light and you could easily take it to another room if you wanted. the video is key, i would not want one that is just sound b/c it allows me to see if she's squirming/bouncing around in the crib or just half asleep and fussing or babbling.
* changing mat cover(s)
totally not needed if you get the PFs - i use them to line the changing pad (I put 2 down, one at the head for spit up and 1 under the bum for accidents). if you do get a changing pad you only need 1. i thought i'd want 2 so i could have one for when the other one is in the wash but honestly i have not had to wash it ONCE since A was born b/c if anything gets dirty, it's the PFs that i have set on there, not the cover
* sleepsacks
a swaddling blanket will work just as well. you can get cheap blankets like the kind they use at the hospital to swaddle, just use 2 instead of 1 to keep it secure. I do like the Miracle Blanket, though, if you want to get those - at first it seemed cumbersome to use (it has a long tail you have to wrap around and around the baby) but now I love it.
WHAT WE POSSIBLY NEED
* breast pump (holding off on this to make sure I have a good milk supply
hmmm not sure why they don't sell the manual pumps over there? I'd try to look around at your local stores to see if you can find one if possible. I actually got mine free at the hospital when I asked them to help me learn how to pump - so maybe call your hospital and find out if they do this???
I also wanted to say that I have read that most moms make enough milk to feed twins when their milk first comes in (that's why we get so engorged). it's very very rare for you not to make enough milk for your babies...those that have low supply usually do so b/c (a) they aren't nursing frequently enough, i.e. not waking baby b/c they don't want to disturb his/her sleep to feed or (b) the baby isn't latching/nursing properly and therefore isn't stimulating mom to produce enough milk. so, i'm confident that if you get help early with latching etc you'll be able to BF!
- we'll need bottles either way though, which is why it's in the other category)
* bathing stuff (shampoo, lotion, etc. - I often see it given at showers so may not have to buy it)
we also got some from the hospital. they have a small basket of stuff they used to bathe her. you always hear people say take everything in your room that isn't nailed down but i honestly felt bad doing so (except the diapers) - until the nurse told us "take everything in here except the blankets - the cleaning crew will throw away everything else if you don't take it" - so that made me feel better about taking everything
so we had baby shampoo/body wash, comb, thermometer, tshirts, diapers, bulb/aspirator thing, etc. I would get nail clippers but you don't need them right away b/c initially you only want to file them down b/c their fingers are so small you risk cutting them if you use regular nail clippers
we didn't get lotion but honestly did not need it initially and then got some free samples from the pedi's office (eucerin)
* Miracle Blankets or other swaddling blankets (necessary? not necessary? depends on the baby?)
see above. some kind of swaddling device is necessary, even if it's just 2 blankets. most NBs dont' sleep well unless they are swaddled.
Questions...
Keeping in mind that this is a Survival Needs Only list, have I left anything out?
all you need to survive for baby is milk, diapers, and clothes. everything else is icing on the cake
Is there anything not on this list that isn't necessarily Survival Only but that you'd want anyway?
baby bath tub - though honestly in the beginning we used the sink b/c she was small enough (she was 6lb5oz coming home from the hospital)
a changing pad is nice, though you could easily use the crib or a couch, just put a PF under the babies in case of accidents while in between diapers
And just for fun, is there anything totally unnecessary that you like or want?
the swing, but every baby is different and some love it and some hate it. DD didn't like it initially - i mean, we could put her in it if she was already asleep if we didn't want to run and put her in the crib while we did something, but it wasn't until she was older that she would appreciate it and fall asleep in it. same goes for the activity mat (we have the tiny love gymini)
the electric breast pump - you could easily use a manual one but the electric one is faster and more convenient
i got samples of medela lanolin at the hospital (enough that i wouldn't even have to buy any of my own) but actually prefer the lansinoh brand. either brand works just fine but the medela brand is more oily and got on the nursing pads more than the medela brand which was thicker and formed a better seal around the nipples.
also get some cloth nursing pads - with all the laundry you'll be doing, it only makes sense to use the cloth ones instead of sposies
Bonus question: when would you want to make sure you had all of this stuff by (presuming your baby would likely be born at around 36 weeks, not 40)?
32 weeks, about 1 month ahead of time, just in case.
Jaime & Brent
Oahu, Hawaii | Sept. 9, 2005
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