In today’s world, there is an overwhelming amount of information on how to raise a baby and what products to buy. As a first-time plus-size mom, I wanted to be as prepared as possible but found myself overwhelmed with the endless options. After months of research, I ended up with many items I never used. To save you time on your upcoming journey, I’ve compiled a list of essentials for those first few months after giving birth.
Clothing
Buying baby clothes is fun, and you should indulge a little. However, in those first few weeks, your baby won’t fit into most outfits. Instead of purchasing a lot of cute outfits right away (besides a few key ones for special occasions), I recommend waiting on the big-ticket items. Instead, stock up on the following essentials to avoid constant laundry:
Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Toddler Sleepers
One Piece Long Sleeves Bear Ear Hoodie Jumpsuit Infant Spring Fall Bodysuit
Newborn Baby Short Sleeve Bodysuit Baby Grow Cotton Vest
When you’re ready to buy more outfits, check out Vinted! Buying second-hand helps the planet and saves you a ton of money.
White Nose Machine
The verdict is still out on whether this is as helpful for the baby as it is for us, but we couldn’t have made it through the night without this little machine.
Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Forumula Maker
This might not apply to all new moms, especially if you are breastfeeding. However, as someone who couldn’t breastfeed, this machine was a lifesaver for my husband and me. It was, and still is, worth every penny as we use it daily and even travel with it!
Sleeping Bags
Make getting the baby to sleep as simple as possible by using sleeping bags. They ensure your baby sleeps at the correct temperature and some even come with a swaddle function.
Tommee Tippee Baby Sleeping Bag for Newborns
100% Cotton Toddler Wearable Blanket
Snuz Baby Sleeping Bag with Nappy Zip
Mamas & Papas Welcome to The World Moses Basket
Originally, we weren’t going to get a Moses basket, but due to limited space in our room, it ended up being the solution we needed. An added bonus? We could move it around the house, giving us more freedom.
Baby Changing Bag Backpack
I tried all types of diaper bags, but the most convenient was this backpack! It offers more space and comfort.
Muslin Cloths
When I tell you that you can’t have enough muslin cloths, I mean it. We use multiple ones per day, and having extra saves laundry time. I swear by these few brands—they’re cute and functional!
GLLQUEN BABY Muslin Squares Cloth for Baby
Little Bamboo Muslin Baby Wash Cloths 6 Pack
Sudocrem
There are many diaper rash creams out there, but a midwife recommended sudocrem. It instantly reminded my husband that his mom used it when he was a baby so we got it and it works great and clears up any rash within hours.
Blocking keywords on social media
The true essential thing you need in those first few weeks is a safe online space. TikTok can be a beautiful thing, but it can also make you feel like you’re falling behind. The first 12 weeks of being a newborn parent is survival mode. It’s enough to just feed them, hold them, love them, and take care of yourself. TikTok can also show scary things, which can be distressing during the “baby blues” phase. I found myself being shown SIDS videos repeatedly. It was awful. Muting keywords was the best thing I did. Consider muting these keywords before giving birth: SIDS, Infant Death, Tummy Time, Breastfeeding, Baby Activity, Sleep Training, and Pumping.
Final Thoughts
I hope the above helps you and want to stress that these essentials can differ from everyone but I found the above to be what I truly needed those first few months. There was more items but for me that helped make it a bit easier.
Related: Top Plus Size Baby Carriers
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