My Newborn Supply List for the Uninitiated-- Useful Things with Stupid Names

I've been getting lots questions of late from clients, friends, and family regarding baby swag-- specifically, which items to be sure and have in the house when a newborn arrives. I'm not going to lie, I have many opinions about this-- mostly about what NOT to buy-- so when I sat down to make a definitive list of recommended items and brands, I was surprised by how LONG it is. That's because babies are very small tyrants, and most items we own are designed to offset some sort of tyrannical contingency like Hungry Now, Won't Sleep, Full of Boogers, or Destroyer of Nipples. This is one the many reasons that I not only LOVE, but also LIKE, all babies. In any case, I tried to limit the list to things parents will use almost every day, and things that are not dumb or belittling to woman and infants.

Also, when I sat down to make a Pinterest Board of all my favorite brands, I was also surprised by how bougie it is, but that's probably because I'm the only one who hasn't figured out yet that I'm a hipster. In any case, I hasten to remark that ALMOST ALL of these items can be purchased secondhand for a fraction of the cost, and in awesome condition. 

I would also like to acknowledge again that some of these items have very stupid names. There is nothing I can do about that. As far as my local-hipster-heritage brand preferences, there is also almost always a more affordable alternative, usually availble on Amazon. You'll also notice I left off clothes, because no parent should ever buy baby clothes ever. You will be drowning in hand-me-downs.  Also, babies look best naked anyway. Just like the rest of us.

So-- here it is: My definitive list of debatably essential baby swag. Pinterest Board is linked below. Happy accessorizing! 

Breastfeeding

• My Brest Friend pillow. Horrible name, awesome pillow. Provides a nice firm, flat surface for nursing.
• Nursing pads, nipple cream, soothie gel pads
• Spit rags (I use cheap flat prefold diapers)
• Huge water cup with straw
• Nursing bras and tanks (wait until milk comes in and get fitted in person if possible)
• Nipple cream (I like Mother Love)
• Supplements: (fenugreek, Traditional Medicinals Milk Tea, brewer’s yeast tablets, flax seed meal). CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST—all of these are generally safe for ingestion through breast milk, but it’s important to check to be sure that none of these supplements will aggravate your specific allergies or interact with any other medications you may be on.

Bottlefeeding

• Bottles: I like Evenflo glass, Dr. Brown's, Comotomo, and Avent BPA Free.
• Dish washer cage or pot sterilization kit for bottle
• Bottle drying rack
• On-the go formula dispenser
• Spit/poop rags (I use cheap flat prefold diapers)

Carrying

• A car seat: The truth is that all car seats are crash –tested to the same safety standards, so choose the best one for your car and carrying needs.
• Stretch wrap like Moby or Solly Baby for newborn-12 months
• A soft structured carrier like Catbird or Ergo for 3 months- 3 year

Sleeping

• Place for baby to sleep that is on not your or in your bed (crib, co-sleeper, bassinet)
• White noise machine
• Muslin swaddle blankets (4).
• Velcro swaddler like Miracle Blanket (start with one or two)
• Blanket Sack for winter and fall babies

Health and Hygiene

• Nail scissors
• Coconut oil (for massage, moisturizing, cradle cap)
• Thermometer (rectal or temporal)
• Nosefrida
• Baby ayr nasal saline
• Diaper cream
• Diapers and wipes
• Dresser top changing pad
• Somewhere to bathe baby—lots of options here as well!

Follow anna's board For my doula clients: this is the baby stuff you actually need! on Pinterest.