https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:27:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-757629 Thu, 02 May 2013 16:33:04 +0000 Mrs. WinterWheat 757629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cabbage in the fridge :)<br /> They work great to reduce engorgement and sore nipples. (And cheaper then those booby tubes)<br /> My midwife said to take out two leaves (try to keep them whole) and crush the veins a bit with a rolling pin. Then cup your breasts with them. Remove when they are wilted and repeat. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-755262 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:55:51 +0000 sarac 755262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Very little, honestly.</p> <p>Comfy clothing for me.<br /> Warm jammies for the baby, and swaddlers for nighttime.<br /> diapers, clearly<br /> All the hygiene stuff you'll need after delivery.<br /> Moby wrap - crucial. I had several.<br /> lots of food? nursing made me severely hangry.<br /> bassinet next to the bed.<br /> 1000 hours of television for the 8+ hours a day I nursed.<br /> nursing pads and nursing bras! how could I forget??? the annoying thing about nursing bras is that your boobs will keep changing size - so don't splurge on a nice one for a month or two. </p> <p>honestly, that's about it. we hung around the house and nursed or we went exploring around town. I didn't need much for either. I switched to cloth after a few weeks, which made my diaper bag a little heavier, but that's about the only wrinkle.</p> <p>ETA: I see that I'm in the minority, and that most people used a ton more stuff than me. I thought a lot about what I would need, and what to get, and all that before my baby came. In the end, I just decided that it would be impossible to know exactly what I was going to want, and that I lived very close to several stores that were open quite late. Worst case, my husband could run out and get some crucial item. And in 19 months - he never has. So I'd personally advise just getting some basics, and then planning to grab what you need later. I bought a lot of other stuff that just went to waste. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-755200 Wed, 01 May 2013 16:18:48 +0000 hilary 755200@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Multiple waterproof liners and sheets for whatever baby is sleeping in and layer them. Then if they spit up or diaper leaks in the middle of the night all you have to do is strip off a layer instead of changing sheets etc. </p> <p>Also I didn't like baby wash cloths and towels because they didn't seem absorbent so we just used our regular ones. </p> <p>Everyone else seems to have it covered so that's my 2 cents. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754800 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:43:51 +0000 sarahbee 754800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all. This seems super helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754761 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:36:33 +0000 LuLu Mom 754761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>baby:<br /> Rock n Play<br /> Bottles<br /> Pump/accessories<br /> Nursing cover<br /> Diapers/Wipes<br /> Sleepers<br /> Bouncer<br /> Blankets<br /> Swing (she loved her swing, it was a savor!)<br /> Car Seat<br /> Changing pad washable covers (I liked the ones that covered the pretty cover) </p> <p>Me:<br /> Yoga Pants/nursing bra/nursing tanks/baggy shirts<br /> nipple cream<br /> stoll softener<br /> snacks - easy to grab food for night nursing<br /> Big water bottle<br /> nursing pads<br /> and these pads you put in the microwave/fridge for your boobs that fit around the pump...AMAZING<br /> Pads<br /> comfy cotton undies </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754760 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:36:04 +0000 Mrs D 754760@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>commenting so I can come back to this in a month or two! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754727 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:29:12 +0000 Smurfette 754727@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need to add<br /> Gripe water<br /> Gas drops </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754722 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:28:19 +0000 Rainbow Sprinkles 754722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Stool softener (first poop is scary)<br /> Dermoplast for lady bits<br /> Boppy<br /> Lightweight swaddling blankets<br /> Nursing tanks<br /> Nursing pads (I got reusable and loved them. Save a tree)<br /> Sweats<br /> Moby wrap (used it every day it saved my life!)<br /> Nipple cream<br /> Sleepers and comfy clothes for baby</p> <p>I think that's it. We didn't need much. Everything else was just excess! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754719 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:28:03 +0000 regberadaisy 754719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>- Boppy/Breast friend<br /> - Diapers/wipes<br /> - Sleepers/onesies<br /> - Baby bath tub<br /> - Towels/wash cloths<br /> - Swaddling blankets<br /> - carseat<br /> - postpartum care supplies</p> <p>I think those are the things you absolutely NEED. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754709 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:24:47 +0000 Arden 754709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here's what we used.</p> <p>For baby:<br /> - Cloth diapers (we have 24 AIO's)<br /> - Large Hanging Wet Bag (Planet Wise)<br /> - Cloth Wipes (we have 40 grovia)<br /> - Wipe Container (oxo tot)<br /> - Diaper rash ointment (we LOVE the grovia rash stick)<br /> - Wipes Solution (we make ours with knickernappies drops)<br /> - Sleepers<br /> - Gowns/Sleep sacks (she loved these and still does, because she likes to rub her feet together inside them and the sleeper doesn't let her do that)<br /> - A couple comfortable outfits (I love Tea Collection rompers)<br /> - Soothies pacifiers (she loves her wubbanub, it's the only thing that makes car travel possible)<br /> - Moby wrap/K'tan (we have both, and use both)<br /> - Burp cloths<br /> - Sound machine<br /> - Baby soap/shampoo (we use earth mama angel baby)<br /> - Boppy<br /> - Burp cloths<br /> - Swaddleme<br /> - Nail clippers<br /> - Windi<br /> - A&amp;A blankets<br /> - Car seat<br /> - Snap and go stroller<br /> - Laundry detergent (we use method free and clear)<br /> - Ear thermometer</p> <p>For me:<br /> - Tucks pads<br /> - Washcloths<br /> - Peri bottle<br /> - Pads (super giant thick ones for the first week, regular after that. At four weeks I'm using thin liners).<br /> - Depends (adult diapers. Way better than pads for nighttime use, they hold way more and you are less likely to leak blood everywhere)<br /> - Colace<br /> - Disposable nursing pads<br /> - Nursing bras (sleep bras are awesome)<br /> - Comfy clothes<br /> - Snacks </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754678 Wed, 01 May 2013 13:02:22 +0000 sslm 754678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought tucks with witch hazel and they've helped a lot along with the peri bottle (given to me at the hospital!). I also had those gel ice packs which I sat on, felt awesome. A sitz bath and Epsom salts also helped!!! Lansinoh, breast pads. </p> <p>For baby - diaper shirts so you don't have to pull anything over baby's head. Woombie - so easy to swaddle with this!! Sleepers that zip up. I've loved Aden and Anais blankets too. Our bassinet and swing have been life savers. And the bouncy chair!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754609 Wed, 01 May 2013 12:24:13 +0000 Smurfette 754609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Burp cloths, lots and lots of burp cloths<br /> Emory boards<br /> newborn and 0-3 clothes<br /> newborn and size 1 diapers<br /> A&amp;A blankets<br /> SwaddleMe blankets<br /> noise machine<br /> Ktan<br /> Boppy<br /> Nursing tanks and bras<br /> Nipple cream<br /> nursing pads<br /> Trumpette socks<br /> Breast Pump<br /> Footed sleepers ( I like the snaps better)<br /> Rock n Play<br /> bath tub<br /> wash cloths<br /> towels<br /> diaper rash cream<br /> iphone (something to do during feedings) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754600 Wed, 01 May 2013 12:15:18 +0000 Rubies 754600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Maybe not something you want to present at a shower but any hemorhoid cream! *shuddering at the memory of mine* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754592 Wed, 01 May 2013 12:11:56 +0000 mrskc 754592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These were my essentials for the first month:<br /> boppy<br /> nursing tanks<br /> breast pads<br /> earth mama nipple butter<br /> ibuprofen<br /> stool softener<br /> pads<br /> tucks<br /> snacks<br /> large water bottle<br /> ipad<br /> baby connect app</p> <p>sleepers<br /> velcro swaddle blankets (easier for middle of the night)<br /> bouncy chair or swing or rock n play (we used bouncy chair a lot)<br /> burp cloths<br /> newborn sized hats<br /> tiny nail file for those little razor sharp nails<br /> white noise machine<br /> night light or dimmer on bedside lamp </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754574 Wed, 01 May 2013 12:05:09 +0000 lomom 754574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Clothes that don't have to go over LO's head. I hate trying to get his head through onesies. Looooove the sleepers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754561 Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:04 +0000 2PeasinaPod 754561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love the lists above. I wanted to second the PnP newborn napper. It was the only thing LO would nap in at first. That and our nap nanny, but those were recalled. </p> <p>The other thing that helped soooo much was classical lullaby music. He loooooooved that. It seemed to calm him down right away when he heard it and he still associates it with sleepy time.</p> <p>Oh, and one more that we discovered really late, but helped so much when he was inconsolable. An exercise ball. We would bounce on it with him, and his crying would immediately stop and he'd drift off to sleep. It was our lifesaver when he was so colicky for the first 3-4 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754543 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:50:08 +0000 Boheme 754543@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: @googly-eyes: I actually found this out on accident when I called our insurance co the other day! Our insurance only covers a manual pump (boo!) but I found out that surprisingly all lactation consultant services are listed under preventative medicine and are covered! I'll ask my OB and my childbirth instructor for recs today since I'll see them both. I wouldn't have thought to line one up beforehand. Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754529 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:44:24 +0000 sorrycharlie 754529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>grab witch hazel from target (it was like, $1/bottle vs over $4/bottle at CVS!). when i ran out of ice pack pads, i poured that onto some and froze them. if you end up not needing it, just return :)</p> <p>I second @googly-eyes too - if you decide to breast feed, make sure you know ahead of time if your insurance covers an LC visit. I spent a lot of time on the phone trying to find that out, in pain and crying because I was so stressed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754523 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:37:53 +0000 googly-eyes 754523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Others have had great suggestions but as someone who ended up formula feeding for various reasons, I highly recommend finding a good LC BEFORE the birth of your baby. With a screaming (potentially very hungry) baby you're not going to want to be shopping around for one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754469 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:14:23 +0000 babynumber1 754469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ameda gel pads. Seriously. Your boobies will thank you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754458 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:10:53 +0000 kml636 754458@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried to buy everything I could possibly have needed, and it was too much. So, I would urge you not to do that! I really loved the Rock and PLay sleeper, woombies/miracle blanket, puj tub, soothies gel breast pads, and the Boppy Newborn lounger. Also a nursing pillow and wubbanub pacifiers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754456 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:10:28 +0000 birdofafeather 754456@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Brest friend<br /> Breast pads<br /> Nursing tanks<br /> Soothies<br /> Booby tubes<br /> Tucks pads<br /> Pads for pp bleeding<br /> Panty liners for after heavy bleeding stopped<br /> Mama bottom spray<br /> Sleep sheep or other white noise<br /> Cosleeper<br /> Glider for nursing<br /> Tv shows for watching during nursing </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754447 Wed, 01 May 2013 11:07:05 +0000 pregnantbee 754447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great lists above. In addition, I would add a vibrating bouncy chair or another item to put your baby down safely in instead of the crib/bassinet/your arms, etc. Lifesaver. Truly.</p> <p>I second/third/fouth Nursing tanks. Lots and lots (and lots!) of burp cloths. I used the Motherlove Nipple Cream and also preferred it to lanolin.</p> <p>iPhone (preferred over iPad b/c you can hold it w/ one hand) and streaming TV/books/apps. It's amazing how much I relied on my phone during the first couple months. Especially helpful when you're nursing or otherwise stuck under a delicious baby for hours at a time.</p> <p>LOTS of snacks you can eat with one hand. Helpful if they are stashed near wherever you are nursing. I loved Fiber bars (which are also helpful in...ahem....other pp departments), trail mix. I was so much hungrier pp than I ever was while pregnant.</p> <p>Multiple water bottles that you keep filled and around the house. PP thirst for me was incredible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754423 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:59:48 +0000 lawbee11 754423@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754408 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:53:30 +0000 Silva 754408@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are only a week in...</p> <p>Boppy<br /> Nursing pads<br /> iPad! (I am nursing all the time)<br /> Nursing tank top- I only have one right now, and can make due without but it is really convenient<br /> Nipple butter- I like the earth mama stuff, I've had almost no nipple issues </p> <p>Washcloth<br /> Towel<br /> Unscented baby soap</p> <p>Diapers (we are using pre folds/covers)<br /> Wipes</p> <p>Sleep gowns for bed time<br /> Pants/ onesies or one pieces for day time<br /> A&amp;a blankets</p> <p>We have also loved having our boba carrier- baby only sleeps when she is with us so it has been hugely helpful</p> <p>Car seat</p> <p>Pads (I have had an easy recovery, and didn't need the tucks pads)<br /> Stool softener<br /> Extra strength Tylenol</p> <p>We are co-bedding right now, so we haven't used our crib or co-sleeper yet.</p> <p>Things like freezer food, take out, etc were helpful. And my husband! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754405 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:53:17 +0000 allison 754405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of people love using lanolin for their sore nipples, but I didn't! It was too thick and sticky. I preferred Earth Mama Nipple Butter. You definitely need something, though. Take it to the hospital with you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754399 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:50:50 +0000 Boheme 754399@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: So, you are pretty much my hero today :) That list is awesome, and you saved me over $100 on an Ergo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754398 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:50:26 +0000 aprk 754398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bottles/storage bags<br /> Pump rental<br /> Nipple butter (earth mama angel baby is awesome)<br /> Soothies<br /> NB long sleeved onesies<br /> Swaddlemes<br /> Washcloths/infant tub/towel<br /> Receiving blanks for laying on and keeping warm in stroller<br /> Wipes/diapers in every room<br /> Boppy<br /> Glider<br /> PP care supplies for mom (peri bottle, tucks, pads, dermaplast)<br /> Burp cloths (Gerber pre folds)<br /> White noise machine<br /> Safe place for baby (chair, swing, etc) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754396 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:50:10 +0000 dagret 754396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, stool softeners (for you!). The only thing the hospital didn't send us home with.</p> <p>ETA: I really liked having a soft stretchy sleep nursing bra. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-did-you-need-the-first-month-after-birthbaby#post-754394 Wed, 01 May 2013 10:49:44 +0000 hilsy85 754394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nursing tanks, Muslim blankets, bottles/pump, swing, boppy, nipple cream, diaper rash cream, NB diapers, some sort of baby carrier, and the # of a good LC! </p>