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As an expecting mommy, there's hundreds of lists, blogs, registry guides and even full books about what you MUST HAVE to welcome your new baby into the world and into your home. For first time moms especially, this can be super overwhelming.
In a later post, I'll talk about what I have found the most helpful from my registry but today I'm talking about the "not so typical" things that have been keeping my sanity. Check it out!
1. Gamer Chair. I bought one off Amazon and it has been a lifesaver! Since Charlotte was born, I spend about 8 hours per day sitting or laying on the floor next to her play mat or bouncer, talking to her and playing. After about a month of doing this everyday, my back and bum was definitely paying the price! With a gamer chair, I'm only about 6" off the ground so I can still be right next to her without having to sit on the hard ground.
2. Roll-away Bed. Another weird one, right? If you are like me and have a significant other who works full time and a small house.. you'll especially appreciate this. Once that little bundle of joy falls asleep, you will want to take advantage of it! I spent quite a few nights on our roll away bed in our living room next to her pack & play, or her bouncer, or her swing, or her play mat.. or whatever she fell asleep on! This made it so much easier because I didn't have to worry about waking her up by moving her to our bedroom and I didn't have to worry about her waking my husband up multiple times through the night when she was crying or fussing. The best part? I could just fold it up and roll it back into the closet during the day (super helpful with all the company that a new baby brings!) This is the one we have- it's not exactly sleeping on a cloud, but it's not bad either!
3. Bathrobes. I LIVED in bathrobes for the first 5 weeks that our little one was home with me. Particularly for C-Section deliveries and breastfeeding, bathrobes are amazing. I could wear a bathrobe without any pressure on my incision and I could easily open the top for feeding my little one. It was also convenient for when company was over, as I could stay pretty well covered during feedings without having to bury my newborn and I under blankets in the middle of summer. Here's my tips in choosing a bathrobe: make sure it has pockets... you'll want to carry a burp cloth, pacifier and cell phone with you and your hands will be full with your baby! I preferred thicket cotton robes, as they kept me feeling adequately covered without being too hot. And hoods... forget about it! You're going to spend a lot of time leaning back on the couch, rocker or glider with your baby on your chest... you don't want an uncomfortable hood bunched up on your spine!
4. DVR. Let's admit it.. we all have a guilty pleasure TV show.. and once that baby is in your home, it's going to be very difficult to consistently be able to watch your shows without missing parts while your little one is voicing their needs. DVR not only helps you be able to watch shows as you are available, it'll also help you to be able to stash up a decent supply of entertainment for the countless hours you'll spend feeding and rocking your little one day and night.
5. Mommy Time. Don't be afraid to ask/accept offers for help. I thought I'd be the kind of mom that never wanted to let go of my little one.. but after 3 weeks straight of crying, feeding, pooping and rocking... I was nearly too willing to let others help. Granted, I'm not saying to go pull someone off the street and hand them your child, I was still pretty picky about who I left her with. Every once in a while, taking an hour to sit in a hot bubble bath with some Pandora radio playing and my Pinterest app in full force was exactly what I needed to pull myself together.
6. Online Shopping. I was way behind the times with online shopping. I had never used the internet for everyday purchases, until I had a baby. The thought of taking her into a store and trying desperately to calm her as she screams her way through the aisles still gives me chills. Luckily, nearly everything is available online these days. I place orders nearly weekly through Walmart, Amazon and occasionally even some clothing retailers. Having toilet paper and diapers delivered right to my door weekly has been a life saver!
These 6 things pretty well sums up my first 6 weeks as a mommy. Beyond these, just take the time to relax and enjoy your little blessing. Hold her tight and cuddle her as much as you can. Know that the hard times will pass, and the good times will become the things you'll cherish.
Most importantly, find what works for you. Every baby and every mommy are different. If it works for you, do it! You know your baby best, if you're being the best mommy you can be, then you're doing it perfectly.
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