Prepping for a Baby

Diaper Changing

• 1 Change pad – Rather than a change table, we put a changing pad on the dresser.
• 2 changing pad covers
• Pack of changing pad liners – We initially didn’t buy these but kept needing to wash the covers.
• Small trash can for diapers. This can be for cloth or disposable.
• Wipes and wipe holder – We use both disposable and reusable wipes. For cloth wipes, we also had a glass water bottle for wiping.
• Antibacterial gel – We keep this on the changing table.
• Diaper bag supplies: soft fold-able changing pad, disposable liners, wipe holder (we bought one that later broke and now use one that came free with a large pack of diapers), burp cloth, and spare clothes (for baby and you!).

Cloth Diapers

• We used Flip diapers for our first daughter primarily with these prefolds but also have some of the official inserts.
• For overnight, we used a cotten nighttime prefold with a hemp insert folded in (hemp insert shouldn’t touch their skin). We then covered her diaper with wool bloomers.
• With the second baby, we added some Grovia hybrid diapers. You can also try their trial kit, which is a good deal.
• We also have a waterproof bag for putting dirty diapers in.

Sleep

• Swaddling – We could not find any the right size for  newborn other than those at the hospital. For our first, we later used swaddling blankets. We stopped swaddling much earlier with our second because she was fine without and could roll over early.
• Crib – For our first, we kept a standard sizes crib in our room the first year (lowers chances of SIDS). But she ended up in our bed much of the time after four months. We switched out the larger crib for a mini crib for our second. Our first switched to the crib mattress on the floor not long after turning one year. The crib has only a mattress and fitted sheet (no bumpers, blankets, or pillows). Our first got a small pillow and blanket at about 14 months.
• We did not do a pacifier but bought natural rubber pacifiers in case needed them.

Food

• They don’t start solids until 6 months but I recommend baby led weaning (zero baby food). The Baby Led Weaning Cookbook has everything you need to know plus recipes.
• We got a seat on Craiglist similar to this but it depends on what is best for your dining area. The biggest issue we have is that you cannot take the straps across the lap off to clean without taking the whole thing apart with a screwdriver (which we have not done).
• We like these bibs as well as this full coverage one.

Bottles (and the joys of pumping)

• You should get a pump free through your insurance.
• We did glass bottles and liked Avent Natural Glass the most because they are simple.
• I recommend ordering some extra milk storage bottles and storage bags. I started pumping before going to work so she would take a bottle and I to build a frozen storage.
• I personally cannot pump without my pumping bra.
• You will want pads, especially at work. I have disposable and reusable.
• And each morning, I packed a micro-steam bag for each pumping session. This made prep easy, especially if there is a microwave in the room you pump in. At home, I use a reusable sterilizer.

Nursing

• Buy nipple cream before your baby arrives. I prefer the kind that doesn’t need to be cleaned off.
• For my first, I used a nursing cover for the first 3 months and then went without. I never bothered covering up with the second.
• Nursing tanks are amazing because you can wear any top and not worry about pulling out the post baby belly.
• I got a breast friend and a boppy. Probably overkill but I like having both. The boppy is also good for tummy time.

Seats & Swings 

• We have a cheaper version of this sleeper locally for hanging out and napping. We call it the taco. Once she could hold her head consistently up, we got a Bumbo  with a belt.
• We had a swing because we got it free but never used it. That said, others have found it to be a godsend.

Moving Around