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There are so many baby items that are only useful for a few months after your little one is born such as the swaddles, the newborn clothes, the baby jumpers, and so on. Then there are those items that seem great to have, but once you get them, they are not all you thought they would be.
Babble contributor Jaime Morrison Curtis mentions a few that may make you just laugh such as a baby mop onesie (yes, they make those), the Baby Keeper - a contraption that hooks your baby to the door while you are in the bathroom - and a crumb cap, which keeps your baby’s head and chest covered during snack time.
And if you are breastfeeding, there is another list of “must haves” all together: Pumps, breast pads, nursing bras and tops, nipple cream, nursing covers, nipple shields! With all of the baby items on the market, it can be tough for any mom to choose what will be useful for the long-term. Luckily there are some essential items you may even use from the time you bring your little one home to the time they are a toddler.
Breast pumps serve different purposes as nursing continues and changes. In the beginning you can use your breast pump to build up an excess stash for your little one. You can also use it if you know you will be traveling or are out for the night. It’s also helpful if you have mastitis, engorged breasts, or clogged ducts because it can relieve some of the pressure. If you decide to donate your excess breastmilk, Prolacta will reimburse qualified donors for your breast pump, up to $300.
A good guidebook will help answer questions that may come up. Because there is a large selection of books to choose from, ask for. Emily Malone, contributor to Babble, enjoyed “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.”
She says, “In the early days when I would sit and nurse for 45 minutes at a time, I'd flip through and read about different nursing positions and look at diagrams of a correct latch. As things progressed, I'd read about problems such as clogged ducts or mastitis. And I pulled it back out when my baby was a year old, to learn about weaning. It has been a valuable resource.”
Cozy clothes to lounge around in and are made for breastfeeding will be great to have throughout nursing. A nursing bra is also essential. Most nursing bras allow for growth and expansion.
Everyone has their preference of breast pad brands, so it doesn't matter as long as you have a box waiting for you when you return from the hospital. You will need them to protect you from leakage wherever you go.
Some moms swear by their pillows, others discard them after their baby gets bigger. Either way, it helps back and arm support while nursing. There are many available. Some of the more popular pillows include Boppy, My Best Friend Pillow, and the Natural Boost.
Perhaps the most important thing moms need while breastfeeding is encouragement and support from friends and family. Whether your partner helps around the house, your family shares stories with you, or you need professional advice from a lactation consultant, having a support group will make things easier for all involved. There are a number of breastfeeding resources at your fingertips. From websites and apps to podcasts, videos, and more, there is plenty of information to help nursing moms succeed. Breastfeeding is a serious commitment. Being properly prepared can help you have a successful experience.